August 22, 2017 1 min read

Sea Cucumber (AUSTRALOSTICHOPUS MOLLIS)

It is the most common sea cucumber in New Zealand. They appear mottled grey-brown to black in colour and have small soft spikes along its length. They ingest sediment from which food is extracted and faecal coils (piles of sand) are deposited. Areas of the otago harbour such as Wellers rock have great numbers of sea cucumbers and their faecal coils can be seen covering great areas.

Grow up to 150-200mm in length.


Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.


Also in Marine Life

Pie Crust Crab
Pie Crust Crab

August 22, 2017 1 min read

This large crab can be found in large numbers in sheltered parts of the Otago Harbour and local inlets. It can crush cockles and other shellfish easily using its strong pincers. 
Read More
Painted Prawn
Painted Prawn

August 22, 2017 1 min read

The Painted Prawn has a colour pattern of longitudinal bands of green and red. It hides by day in dark rocky crevices and can be found in tidal pools on rocky shores.
Read More
Ridgeback Nudibranch
Ridgeback Nudibranch

August 22, 2017 1 min read

This nudibranch sometimes appears circlular in shape because its mantle is much larger than its foot. 
Read More