Biodiversity around us- Invertebrates

We can find Sea Cucumbers in the intertidal zone and also in areas of great depth.

It feeds essentially on organic matter in suspension or deposited on the substrate and can also, with the help of tube feet, capture small animals.

Because they do not have a bony skeleton, they may appear fragile and vulnerable, however, they are not, as they have developed some toxins that, when expelled, drive away possible predators.

There are species of edible holothurians, they are a very appreciated delicacy in Japan and China mainly.

This beautiful slimy specimen was photographed today right here on Burgau beach.

Tubular Sea cucumber (Holothuria tubulosa)

- http://www.biodiversidademarinha.uevora.pt/Elenco-de-Especies/Biodiversidade-marinha/Equinodermes/Holoturia-Pepino-do-mar4

- http://naturlink.pt/article.aspx?menuid=4&cid=93829&bl=1&viewall=true