Holothuria (Microthele) fuscopunctata
Elephant Trunkfish
©Lyle Vail: An unusual pale specimen of Holothuria (Microthele) fuscopunctata found at the same time and place as the animal in the photo above
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Echinodermata
Class
Holothuroidea
Order
Aspidochirotida
Family
Holothuriidae
Genus
Holothuria
Species
Holothuria (Microthele) fuscopunctata
Colours
Distinguishing features
Deep creases in the thick body wall and distinct fine spots easily distinguish this large holothurian from others. Colouration is usually yellowish/brown above and paler on the sides and below, but much paler individuals are also occasionally seen.
Size
- Size data has not been obtained.
Depth range
- Depth range data is not yet available.
Synonyms
Distribution
©Atlas of Living Australia: Australian distribution
Distribution and habitat preferences
While this species is sometimes seen in quite shallow water, it is more common in water deeper than about 10 metres on sand or a mixture or rubble and sand. It occurs at the outer barrier reefs as well as other mid-shelf reefs near Lizard Island.
Behaviour
Spawning has been observed in April and in November in the Lizard Island area. Individuals raise the front half of the body into an upright position and eject spawn from a gonopore on top of the head.
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.
Other references
- Uthicke, M. Byrne and C. Conand, S. (2010). Genetic barcoding of commercial beche-de-mer species (Echinodermata: Holothuroidea), Molecular Ecology Resources, 10: 634-646. LIRS catalog number 1321.