Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Echinodermata
Class
Holothuroidea
Order
Aspidochirotida
Family
Holothuriidae
Genus
Holothuria
Species
Holothuria atra
Colours
Distinguishing features
Holothuria atra is black all over and often has a thin layer of sand covering the body. There is often a longitudinal series of round patches without sand, allowing the black skin to show through as a series of spots. The body wall is relatively thin and pliable. It does not eject cuverian tubules when disturbed.
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
Holothuria atra is one of the most common medium-sized holothurians in reef habitats at Lizard Island. It is extremely common in shallow reef-flat areas. Individuals in deeper water tend to be larger and without a sand coating.
Web resources
References
- Bakus, G.J. (1981). Chemical defense mechanisms on the Great Barrier Reef, Science, 211: 497-499. LIRS catalog number 41.
- Cannon, L.R.G. and H. Silver (1986). Sea Cucumbers of Northern Australia Queensland Museum, Brisbane. LIRS catalog number 229.
- Moriarty, D.J.W. (1982). Feeding of Holothuria atra and Stichopus chloronotus on bacteria, organic carbon and organic nitrogen in sediments of the Great Barrier Reef, Australian Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 33: 255-263. LIRS catalog number 76.
- View all references