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Family: Synaptidae
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Bocas Species Database Habitat: Shallow reef zones such as reef flats. Distribution: Caribbean, southwestern Gulf of Mexico Natural History Notes: This species emerges at night and feeds actively, crawling around on sand, rubble, or seagrass. Movement occurs by direct overlapping peristalsis. Digestion occurs rapidly, and within an hour of feeding the intestine is completely emptied. During the day, the species is concealed in coral rubble, corals, conch shells, or beneath rock slabs. The body wall is very sticky, and the cucumber can become snagged on itself. Depth: Low-tide mark to 24 m. Characteristics: This species is relatively large and skinny, reaching a length of 1 m or more, and is easily distinguished from other sea cucumbers in the area. Individuals can change body length quickly and have a thin and flexible body wall. Individuals appear segmented due to an alternating pattern of widened and constricted rings running the length of the body. Fifteen large, pinnate tentacles, each bearing 20-35 lateral digits, surround the mouth. The sea cucumber is variable in color, and its intensity changes as it expands and contracts. The dorsal and lateral surfaces are striped with longitudinal bands of alternating brown and golden yellow. The ventral surface is less pigmented. |