Holothuria (Holothuria) fuscopunctata
Elephant Trunkfish
©Lyle: An unusual pale specimen of Holothuria (Holothuria) 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 (Holothuria) fuscopunctata
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, similar to the photo above, but much paler individuals are also occasionally seen (see photo below).
Size
- Size data has not been obtained.
Depth range
- Depth range data is not yet available.
Synonyms
Distribution
©Atlas of Living Australia: Australian distribution: Elephant Trunkfish (Holothuria (Holothuria) fuscopunctata)
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.
Local abundance
- Lizard Island, Queensland, Australia: 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
- Clark, A.M. and F.W.E. Rowe (1971). Monograph of shallow-water Indo-west Pacific echinoderms British Museum (Natural History), London.