Apostichopus
Apostichopus is a genus of sea cucumbers in the family Stichopodidae. They are commonly known as sea cucumbers and are found in the eastern Pacific Ocean, specifically along the coasts of North and South America.
Characteristics
Species within the genus Apostichopus are characterized by their elongated, cylindrical bodies, typically ranging in size from 10 to 30 cm in length. Their bodies are covered in small, warty projections called papillae, which give them a rough texture. They also possess a mouth at one end and an anus at the other, with a ring of tentacles surrounding the mouth.
Environments
Apostichopus species are benthic organisms, meaning they live on the seafloor. They are typically found in shallow waters, often in rocky or sandy environments. These sea cucumbers play a significant role in marine ecosystems by contributing to the breakdown of organic matter and recycling nutrients.
Species
The genus Apostichopus includes several species, some of the most well-known include:
- Apostichopus californicus (California sea cucumber)
- Apostichopus parvimensis (Small sea cucumber)
- Apostichopus panamensis (Panama sea cucumber)