species: Stichopus ocellatus in taxonomy (Lizard Island Field Guide)
Animalia > Echinodermata > Echinozoa > Holothuroidea > Aspidochirotida > Stichopodidae > Stichopus > Stichopus ocellatus (gallery)
Stichopus ocellatus


©Anne Hoggett: Stichopus ocellatus about 22 cm long at Watson's Bay, Lizard Island, on soft bottom away from reefs.

©Anne Hoggett and Lyle Vail: Stichopus ocellatus in algae beds in Watson's Bay.

©Anne Hoggett: At about 20 metres depth off Pidgin Point in January 2009.

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Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Echinodermata
Class Holothuroidea
Order Aspidochirotida
Family Stichopodidae
Genus Stichopus
Species Stichopus ocellatus

Lizard Island Field Guide
Lizard Island area: all known taxa

Colours

                   

Distinguishing features

A medium to large, solid, yellow/brown holothurian with spaced, pale, wart-like papillae with dark centres arranged in rows on the dorsal and lateral surfaces.

Size

  • Up to 33 cm (length according to Purcell et al, 2012)

Depth range

  • Depth range data is not yet available.

Synonyms

Distribution

Distribution and habitat preferences

This species appears to be restricted to water deeper than 15 to 20 metres on soft bottoms associated with algae. It has been found in such habitats on both sides of the island: in Watson's bay and off Pidgin Point. It is not common.

Web resources

References

References that assist with identification

  • Purcell, S.W., Y. Samyn and C. Conand (2012). Commercially important sea cucumbers of the world 150 pp., 30 pl. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome.