| Family: |
Pelagothuriidae () |
| Max. size: |
|
| Environment: |
pelagic; marine; depth range 0 - 4505 m |
| Distribution: |
Eastern Pacific. |
| Diagnosis: |
Shape is a reminiscent of a medusa that resembles a jellyfish. Body conical, which supports an enormous umbrella-like veil. The veil extended anteriorly, composed of 12-16 large webbed podia. Body wall transparent and pigmented pale violet or pink. |
| Biology: |
Only known truly pelagic holothurian, floating or drifting near seafloor or high in the water column (Refs. 109722, 129602). Also known as a swimmng sea cucumber, it is found in low oxygen areas and is assumed as a tactic to avoid predators that are more oxygen-hungry and could easily suffocate (Ref. 127487). Feeds on resuspended sediments or detrital material from shallower depths (Ref. 109722). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. 123251)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
| Country info: |
|
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