Bohadschia
Bohadschia is a genus of sea cucumbers within the family Holothuriidae. Commonly known as “sandfish” or “sea cucumbers”, these echinoderms are found in a variety of marine environments, primarily in tropical and subtropical waters. They are characterized by their elongated, cylindrical bodies, leathery skin, and the presence of tentacles surrounding their mouths. Bohadschia species play a vital role in marine ecosystems as detritivores, breaking down organic matter and contributing to nutrient cycling.
Common Names
Members of the Bohadschia genus are commonly known as "sandfish" or "sea cucumbers".
Characteristics
Bohadschia species possess a number of distinguishing characteristics:
- Elongated, cylindrical body: Their bodies are typically long and slender, resembling a cucumber.
- Leathery skin: The skin is thick and leathery, often covered in small bumps or tubercles.
- Tentacles: A ring of tentacles surrounds the mouth, used to capture food particles.
- Lack of arms or legs: Unlike other echinoderms, they lack arms or legs for locomotion.
- Slow-moving: Bohadschia species are relatively slow-moving creatures, typically crawling along the seafloor.
Environments
Bohadschia species inhabit a variety of marine environments, including:
- Coral reefs: They are often found among coral reefs, where they graze on detritus and algae.
- Seagrass beds: These sea cucumbers are also common in seagrass meadows, feeding on decaying plant matter.
- Sandy bottoms: Some species prefer sandy bottoms, burrowing into the sediment to find food and shelter.
- Rocky shores: They can also be found in rocky intertidal zones, where they are exposed to the air during low tide.
References
For further information, consult the following references: