The Brown Sandfish, Brown Sea Cucumber, scientifically known as Bohadschia vitiensis, is a fascinating marine invertebrate that plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of various marine ecosystems. This sea cucumber is a prominent member of the Holothuroidea class, specifically belonging to the Holothuriida order and the Holothuriidae family.
Description & Characteristics
Bohadschia vitiensis is distinguished by its elongated, cylindrical body structure, often reaching a maximum size of around 20 centimeters. Its body is typically brown, sometimes tinged with hues of grey or black, providing excellent camouflage against the sandy or muddy bottoms it calls home. The species lacks any noticeable appendages or spines, giving it a smooth and streamlined appearance.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Brown Sandfish, Brown Sea Cucumber, Bohadschia vitiensis, is a common inhabitant of shallow coastal waters, particularly in lagoons, sandy sea floors, and unconsolidated muddy grounds. It thrives within the subtidal, sublittoral, and infralittoral zones, extending from the lower reaches of the intertidal zone to the shelf edge, a depth of approximately 200 meters. These zones fall within the neritic marine environment, characterized by their proximity to the coastline. The species’ presence in these habitats highlights its adaptability to varying sediment types and depths.
Taxonomy
The scientific classification of Bohadschia vitiensis places it within the Class: Holothuroidea, an extensive class of marine invertebrates commonly known as sea cucumbers. Within this class, it belongs to the Order: Holothuriida, which encompasses a wide range of sea cucumber species. Finally, Bohadschia vitiensis is part of the Family: Holothuriidae, a family characterized by its members’ generally larger size and often found in benthic environments.
Feeding
Bohadschia vitiensis is a sediment feeder, actively ingesting the surrounding sediment to extract organic matter, including debris, invertebrates, and worms. This feeding strategy makes it an important part of the benthic food web, contributing to the recycling of nutrients within the ecosystem. As a zoobenthos, Bohadschia vitiensis plays a significant role in maintaining the health and stability of the seabed. Its diet consists primarily of detritus, a crucial source of food for many marine organisms.
Image References