Granular Sea Cucumber [Anobothrus granulatus]
Description
The Granular Sea Cucumber, Anobothrus granulatus, can be found in the deeper parts of the Atlantic Ocean. They have a cylindrical body with a granular appearance, thus the name. They are detritus feeders, consuming organic matter from the sea floor. They play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem by recycling nutrients and enhancing the bioavailability of the nutrients in the sediment. Their peculiar defense mechanism includes the ejection of sticky threads to trap potential predators.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Segmented Worms
Annelida
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Polychaetes
Polychaeta
|
| Order |
Terebellida
Terebellida
|
| Family |
Ampharetidae
Ampharetidae
|
| Genus |
Anobothrus
Anobothrus
|