Holothuria (Lessonothuria) pardalis
©Anne Hoggett: Holothuria (Lessonothuria) pardalis found under rubble on the intertidal reef flat at Eyrie Reef near Lizard Island.
©Anne Hoggett: Ventral surface of Holothuria (Lessonothuria) pardalis from Eyrie Reef near Lizard Island. Length is about 7.5 cm.
©Anne Hoggett: Holothuria (Lessonothuria) pardalis from under rubble slab near the sandspit at Palfrey Island, Lizard Island Group.
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Echinodermata
Class
Holothuroidea
Order
Aspidochirotida
Family
Holothuriidae
Genus
Holothuria
Species
Holothuria (Lessonothuria) pardalis
Colours
Distinguishing features
The small, cryptic species of Holothuria can be difficult to distinguish when alive. Holothuria (Lessonothuria) pardalis is a small holothurian with a soft, smooth body wall. The body is pointed at both ends, is very pliable, and is relatively flat on the lower surface and arched above. Colour is mottled brown/grey and cream, often with dark spots in rows on the upper surface.
Size
- Size data has not been obtained.
Depth range
- Depth range data is not yet available.
Synonyms
Similar taxa
-
Animalia:
species: Holothuria (Thymiosycia) arenicola
also has paired dark spots on the upper surface but body shape is different. It is more cylindrical than H. pardalis, without a flattened underside and not tapering to form pointed ends.
Distribution
©Atlas of Living Australia: Australian distribution
Distribution and habitat preferences
Found throughout the Lizard Island Group, always under rocks or rubble and may be buried in sand.
Web resources
References
References that assist with identification
- Clark, A.M. and F.W.E. Rowe (1971). Monograph of shallow-water Indo-west Pacific echinoderms British Museum (Natural History), London.