species: Actinopyga mauritiana in taxonomy (Gaia Guide)
Animalia > Echinodermata > Echinozoa > Holothuroidea > Aspidochirotida > Holothuriidae > Actinopyga > Actinopyga mauritiana (gallery)
Actinopyga mauritiana


©Lyle Vail: Actinopyga mauritiana in typical living position.

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Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Echinodermata
Class Holothuroidea
Order Aspidochirotida
Family Holothuriidae
Genus Actinopyga
Species Actinopyga mauritiana
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Colours

         

Distinguishing features

All species of Actinopyga have distinct anal "teeth" that are visible in the field. Colour pattern is useful to distinguish the four species known from Lizard Island. None of the Actinopyga species eject cuverian tubules when disturbed.

Actinopyga mauritiana is brown with white patches above and is usually white on the underside. The body wall is thick, firm and smooth.

Size

  • Size data has not been obtained.

Depth range

  • Depth range data is not yet available.

Synonyms

Distribution


©Atlas of Living Australia: Australian distribution: Holothurioids (Actinopyga mauritiana)

Distribution and habitat preferences

Actinopyga mauritiana is usually found in shallow, exposed locations, earning the common name of Surf Redfish in the trepang trade. It is found at exposed sites throughout the midshelf reefs in the Lizard Island area as well as at the outer barrier reefs.

Web resources

References

  • Cannon, L.R.G. and H. Silver (1986). Sea Cucumbers of Northern Australia Queensland Museum, Brisbane. LIRS catalog number 229.