Trachythyone elongata

Sea cucumber

Taxon recognized by Animal Diversity Web Descriptions external link
IUCN Red List Status: NOT EVALUATED external link Showing: scientific names

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Table of Contents

Morphology

Physical Description

Source and Additional Information
Supplier
Animal Diversity Web external link
Copyright
©1995-2008, The Regents of the University of Michigan and its licensors. Some rights reserved external link
Author
Ashlea Rives, Southwestern University
Editor
Stephanie Fabritius, Southwestern University
Location
Source URL
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Citation
Rives, A. 2000. "Trachythyone elongata" (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed October 26, 2009 at http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Trachythyone_elongata.html. 

 

This species has an elongated body that is usually U-shaped and resembles the shape and size of the vegetable, cucumber, where it gets its name. It has a tube-shaped ventral surface with 5 rows of tube feet that extend the entire length of the body. It does not have arms. (Banister and Campbell 1985.) The dorsal surface is covered with stiff, conical projections that are brownish or gray in color. The body wall is naked with only minutely defined ossicles and is very elastic and leathery in texture. Their mouth is located at the anterior and their anus is located at the posterior. The mouth is surrounded by a ring of simple branched tentacles that are usually retractable when they catch their prey. (Grzimek 1972.) They have a water vascular system that includes a water ring around a proximal pharnyx with 5 radial canals that run the length of the body wall. They are pentameral, or have 5-rayed symmetry with 5 rows of tube feet.(Fisheries and Oceans Canada). They range in size from a few centimeters to 8 inches. (Carson 1955)

 
"Trachythyone elongata". Encyclopedia of Life, available from "http://www.eol.org/pages/2926782". Accessed 19 Mar 2010.