Opheodesoma spectabilis

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Opheodesoma spectabilis
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Echinodermata
Class: Holothuroidea
Order: Apodida
Family: Synaptidae
Genus: Opheodesoma
Species:
O. spectabilis
Binomial name
Opheodesoma spectabilis
Fisher, 1907

Opheodesoma spectabilis is a synaptid sea cucumber in the Indo-Pacific that can be locally very abundant.[1][2]

With their flexible, wormlike bodies and mouth surrounded by tentacles[3] Opheodesoma spectabilis varies in color.[4] From a shade of gray when above water, to a rich chocolate brown[4] or "bloodsucker" red when below water.[5]

Biology

As sea cucumbers most commonly do, the Opheodesoma are invertebrates that start their life cycle as Planktotrophic larvae. They then grow into cylinder-shaped doliolaria who metamorphose into the juvenile opheodesoma spectabilis you often see today.[6]

Distribution and habitat

Diet

References

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