Sea cucumber

The work of a curious fellow

The sea cucumber is an unlikely looking animal even for sea creatures. They are sort of like a leather sausage with warts on it and some intestines hanging out of one end. When disturbed they withdraw the business end into the sausage skin and close up tight. When severely threatened they eject their internal organs for the predator to eat and set about growing a new set.

Sea cucumber feeding

Notice the red thing with feathery tentacles hanging down from a stalk attached to the underside of the rock to the right of the sea urchin. We believe this is a red sea cucumber. The body is hidden under the rock. We have never seen one of these out in the open.

Red Sea Cucumber