The Zebrafish, Zebrafish, Brown Curryfish, Curryfish, Curry Fish Sea Cucumber, Brown Curryfish Sea Cucumber, scientifically known as Stichopus vastus, is a species of sea cucumber belonging to the family Stichopodidae. It is a commonly found echinoderm inhabiting the subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, and deep zones of the oceans, extending from the lower limit of the intertidal zone to the shelf edge at about 200 meters water depth.
Description & Characteristics
Stichopus vastus is a burrowing sea cucumber with a cylindrical body shape, typically reaching a maximum size of around 30 cm in length. The body color varies, often presenting as a brownish-red hue. Its skin is leathery and covered in small, wart-like projections.
Habitat and Occurrence
Stichopus vastus prefers sandy sea floors as its preferred habitat. Its occurrence in Subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, and deep zones of the oceans, extending from the lower limit of the intertidal zone (intertidal) to the shelf edge at about 200 meters water depth, makes it a significant part of these aquatic ecosystems. Its presence in these zones is often observed in neritic marine environments.
Taxonomy
Stichopus vastus belongs to the Class: Holothuroidea, Order: Synallactida, and Family: Stichopodidae. This classification places it among the diverse group of sea cucumbers, known for their elongated, cylindrical bodies.
Feeding
Stichopus vastus is a sediment feeder and plays a crucial role in the marine environment. Its diet primarily consists of invertebrates, echinoderm larvae, worms, and zoobenthos, which it ingests along with sediment. This feeding behavior contributes to the nutrient cycling within its habitat.
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