Description: The largest sea cucumber in the area. Part of its body is always under the reefs, so that only the front end can be seen. On this part, around the mouth area, short tentacles. Color is mottled brown and white, may be ringed in light colors, giving it its name. Size: up to 2 m.
Habitat: Lives on the coral reefs hidden in recesses and stretches its oral end out of its hiding place to sweep the reefs for food. Depth: ranges from 3 m down to 30 m.
Distribution: Occasional all over the Caribbean.
Remarks: The genus Holothuria contains many subgenera and species. It is impossible to tell to which species exactly your specimen belongs without using microscopical materials and specialist's literature.
Kingdom Animalia Phylum Echinodermata Class Holothuroidea Genus Holothuria Species Holothuria thomasi
Status in World Register of Marine Species
Not included in WoRMS database
Scientific synonyms and common names
Tiger tail sea cucumber [English]
Humann, P., 1992. Reef Creature Identification - Florida Caribbean Bahamas, (ed. N. Deloach). New World Publications, Inc., Paramount Miller Graphics, Inc., Jacksonville, Florida.
Images
H. thomasi (De Kluijver and Gijswijt) H. thomasi 2 (Still from video)
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