Stichopus chloronotus

Stichopus chloronotus is a fairly large species growing to about 25 cm (10 in) with a firm but pliable body and a squarish cross section. The skin is smooth but there are numerous conical fleshy papillae in longitudinal rows, and these are larger on the lower lateral angles. This sea cucumber is a deep blackish-green in colour, and has yellow or red tips to the papillae.[3][4]

• 
• 
• 
• 
  Some specimens can be blueish

Stichopus chloronotus is native to the Indo-Pacific. Its range extends from the Red Sea and the East Coast of Africa, through Madagascar, the Seychelles, the Comores and Réunion[2] to Australia, Indonesia, China, Japan, Guam, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa.[1] It lives on reefs, but can also be found on rubble located on the outer reef flats[4] at depths down to about 12 m (39 ft).[3]

Stichopus chloronotus is a detritivore and sifts through the sediment on the seabed with its tentacles and feeds on detritus and other organic matter including plant and animal remains, bacteria, protozoa, diatoms and faeces.[5] In the process it swallows a lot of sand and plays an important part in churning up and aerating the seabed.[6]

Stichopus chloronotus can reproduce asexually by undergoing transverse fission, forming two new individuals which each regenerate the missing parts. It can also reproduce sexually.[1]

Stichopus chloronotus processes a lot of sand

Stichopus chloronotus is gathered for human consumption across much of its range. Although not one of the most important species for this purpose, it resembles the much-favoured Japanese sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus and is increasingly being caught in some areas as supplies of that species dwindle. This species has a widespread distribution and is common in many parts of its range so the IUCN lists it as being of "Least Concern".[1]

• Photos of Stichopus chloronotus on Sealife Collection