The Eyed Sea Cucumber, Polka-dotted Sea Cucumber, scientifically known as Bohadschia ocellata, is a captivating marine invertebrate renowned for its distinctive appearance. This species is commonly encountered in the Indo-Pacific region, often inhabiting coral reefs and rocky substrates.
Description & Characteristics
Bohadschia ocellata, as its common name suggests, exhibits a striking pattern of prominent, eye-like markings scattered across its body. These “eyes” are actually circular spots, typically dark brown or black, surrounded by a lighter ring, giving the sea cucumber its characteristic polka-dotted appearance. This species can attain a considerable size, reaching a maximum length of approximately 30 centimeters.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Eyed Sea Cucumber, Polka-dotted Sea Cucumber, Bohadschia ocellata, is predominantly found in the Indo-Pacific region. It exhibits a preference for tropical and subtropical waters, particularly those with coral reefs and rocky substrates. Its depth range extends from the intertidal zone down to approximately 30 meters, encompassing both shallow and moderately deep habitats. This species is often encountered in various marine zones, including the reef flat, reef slope, and lagoon.
Taxonomy
The Eyed Sea Cucumber, Polka-dotted Sea Cucumber, Bohadschia ocellata, is scientifically classified within the phylum Echinodermata, specifically the class Holothuroidea, which encompasses sea cucumbers. This species belongs to the order Holothuriida and the family Holothuriidae, a group that contains numerous sea cucumber species.
Feeding
Bohadschia ocellata, like many sea cucumbers, plays a crucial role in the marine ecosystem as a detritivore. Its feeding habits primarily involve consuming detritus, which includes decaying organic matter, such as dead plants and animals. The sea cucumber’s feeding process involves using its tentacles to sweep up debris from the surrounding environment, transporting it to its mouth for ingestion. This process of consuming detritus contributes to the breakdown and recycling of organic matter in the marine ecosystem.
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