Template:POTD/2024-09-20
Appearance
Holothuria fuscogilva, also known as the white teatfish, is a species of sea cucumber in the family Holothuriidae. It is found in the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific in shallow waters near islands and around coral reefs. Juveniles live in shallower waters (such as inter-tidal zones) and then migrate to deeper waters as they mature. Adults of this species weigh between 2.4 and 4 kilograms (5.3 and 8.8 pounds) and are elliptical in shape with a firm texture. They feature lateral papillae (teats), which are often buried in the sand. The species is consumed as food and is vulnerable to over-exploitation from commercial fishing. This H. fuscogilva sea cucumber was photographed in Ras Muhammad National Park off the Red Sea coast of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt.Photograph credit: Diego Delso