The Beaded Sea Cucumber, also known as Snake Sea Cucumber and Worm Cucumber, is a species in the class of the Holothuroidea (Sea Cucumbers) and therefore belongs to the phylum of the Echinodermata.
Description
Euapta lappa has a long, soft body with white, greenish colouration and yellow streaks. It reaches a maximum length of 50cm.
Habitat and Distribution
The Beaded Sea Cucumber lives on rocky ground, down to a depth of 30m. When diving in the Canaries you can observe it very often, especially on the central and eastern islands. In addition, its distribution area extends across the Caribbean Sea, the Bahamas, Jamaica, Cuba, the Gulf of Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama.
Biology
Euapta lappa feeds on detritus. It eats sediment, whereby organic material is recycled and the rest is excreted.
They are active at night and are hidden in cracks, crevices and holes during the day.
When touched, it adheres slightly and can discharge its skin.