Animal of the Day!
Pineapple Sea Cucumber (Thelenota ananas)
(Photo from Florent’s Guide to the Tropic Reefs)
Conservation Status- Endangered
Habitat- Indo-West Pacific Ocean
Size (Weight/Length)- 6 kg; 70 cm
Diet- Algae
Cool Facts- Pineapple sea cucumbers are the kings of the sandy bottom. Active mostly during the day, these sea cucumbers wiggle their way across the ocean floor using numerous tube-like feet. They sift through sand with their large mouth for algae, helping to recycle nutrients like a true bottom feeder. The pineapple sea star plays host to hundreds of parasites, up to 800 unique species at one time, some never known to science until the discovery of this cucumber. Despite their numerous parasites, the pineapple sea cucumber is a delicacy in China and has resulted in their sharp population decline.
Rating- 11/10 (Has ananas in its scientific name, I applaud scientists.)
















