Sea cucumbers have a cylindrical body that lacks arms or spines, is usually soft walled, and has a mouth surrounded by feeding tentacles. Most Galapagos sea cucumbers belong to the genus Holoturia; species of this genus are characterized by their large size, generally thick body walls, warty body surface, and microscopic ossicles, resembling tiny tables and buttons. Many species have few predators and consequently often occur in exposed habitats. The sea cucumber you observe in today’s picture is Stichopus fuscus. It is a large sea cucumber with a very thick body, blunt papillae on the dorsum and three bands of cylindrical tube feet on the ventrum. The sole is distinct and well formed. Coloration is light brown to chocolate brown with light tan papillae. They are often seen on rocks and substrates, in shallow water to about 40 m. (130 ft.).
Sea cucumbers are prized as food in the Orient, where they are marketed with exotic names such as trepang or bêche-de-mer. The cucumbers are cooked and the protein-rich body walls dried and used in soups and other dishes. Populations on the Galapagos Islands are composed of large individuals in high densities, especially in the cooler waters of the western archipelago. It is because of the great quantity of these creatures that lately the archipelago has been supporting a thriving illegal fishery. Sea cucumbers are believed to be natural filters of the bottom sediment. The illegal removal of large numbers of these animals is certain to have a negative impact on the waters around the archipelago. The Galapagos National Park Service and the Charles Darwin Research Station are working very hard to control and monitor the recently opened fishery of these marine creatures, through a participatory management scheme. This scheme is unique worldwide, as many institutions, including the fishing unions themselves, have a say in the regulation of the fishery. We saw this interesting creature, amongst many others, while snorkeling in Turtle Rock, a little islet off the coast of Española Island.
