Sea Cucumbers
Sea Cucumbers (Holothuroidea) Overview
Sea cucumbers have leathery skin and an elongated body with a single gonad. They feed on debris on the seafloor or in midwater. They move around using their tube feet and usually measure 3-12 inches (10-30 cm) in length. The smallest species of sea cucumbers is just 0.12 inch (3 mm) long and the largest can grow up to 3.3 feet (1 m). They communicate with each other by sending hormone signals through the water. Their Hawaiian name is loli.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can sea cucumbers be found in Hawaii?
Sea cucumbers are commonly found in shallow reef environments, sandy sea floors, and tide pools throughout the Hawaiian Islands.
What do sea cucumbers eat?
They feed on detritus and organic matter found in the sand or water, helping to clean and recycle nutrients on the ocean floor.
How big do sea cucumbers get?
Most sea cucumbers in Hawaii range between 3 to 12 inches (10–30 cm), but some species can grow as long as 3.3 feet (1 m).
Do sea cucumbers really eject their organs?
Yes, when threatened, some species expel internal organs or sticky filaments as a defense mechanism. They can later regenerate these parts.
What is the Hawaiian name for sea cucumber?
The Hawaiian word for sea cucumber is loli.