Sea cucumbers are echinoderms-like starfish and sea urchins. There are some 1,250 known species, and several of these animals really are shaped like soft-bodied cucumbers. Some inhabit the shallows and others live in the deep ocean, though all sea cucumbers are ocean dwellers. They survive or close to the ocean floor-sometimes partially buried beneath it.
Sea cucumbers feast upon tiny particles like algae, minute aquatic animals, or waste materials, they will gather together with 8 to 30 tube feet that appear like tentacles surrounding their mouths. The animals disintegrate these particles into even smaller pieces, which become fodder for bacteria, and thus recycle them back into the ocean ecosystem. Earthworms carry out a similar function in terrestrial ecosystems.
Sea cucumbers, particularly eggs and young larvae, are prey for fish and other marine animals. Also, they are enjoyed by humans, specially in Asia, and several species are farmed as delicacies.
When threatened, some sea cucumbers discharge sticky threads to ensnare their enemies. Others can mutilate their own personal bodies like a defense mechanism. They violently contract their muscles and jettison some of their body organs out of their anus. The missing areas of the body are quickly regenerated.
Sea cucumbers can breed sexually or asexually. The process is not very intimate, although sexual reproduction is more typical. The animals release both sperm and eggs into the water and fertilization takes place when they meet. There should be many people inside a sea cucumber population for this particular reproductive method to reach your goals. Indeed, many elements of the deep ocean host large herds of such ancient animals, grazing around the microscopic bounty of marine waters. For more information please visit Italy Sea Cucumber