Phylum: Echinodermata

Class: Holothurioidea

Order: Dendrochirotida

Family: Cucumariidae

Scientific name: Cucumaria frondosa

 

Norwegian: brunpølse

(Storsteinan - The Trondheim Fjord / 14 meters / 9.05.2004)

Distribution: Common along the coast of Norway, from Rogaland to Troms. It prefers current exposed locations, preferably on hard substrate.

Characteristics: This 50 cm long sea cucumber feeds, like the most sea cucumbers, by licking food from their tentacles. Plankton and other organic material floating by is stuffed into its mouth. The color is dark brown, sometimes almost black. It lies on the bottom, exposing the entire body. It cannot be mistaken for any other species in Norwegian waters.

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