Biodiversity #8 – Sea Cucumbers which are Echinoderms (literally hedgehog skin).
Scavengers that feed on debris on the ocean floor, serving a useful role as they recycle nutrients breaking down detritus so that bacteria can complete the degradation process. Essentially the oceans’ vacuum cleaners. If startled a sea cucumber discharges part of their digestive system which can take weeks to grow back – during which time their productivity is greatly reduced. So don’t pick them up – admire them as they perform their work. Here’s a little video shows what goes in – and nice clean sea water coming out!
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