I think we've seen 10 species of sea cucumber in the Sonoma/Marin county area, and over the years I've posted photos of 8 of those, but I haven't shown pictures of a couple of species yet.
So here are two more — above is the Orange Sea Cucumber (Cucumaria miniata). As you can see, they often live under rocks or in crevices, but sometimes you can catch a glimpse of their bright orange tentacles.
Below is a California Sea Cucumber (Apostichopus californicus, formerly Parastichopus californicus). This species is more common in subtidal areas, but with the very low tides last week, I spotted one in the low intertidal zone:
2 comments:
I am guessing 14 species unless you include some which are totally subtidal like Pseudocnus lubricus and others included by Lambert not found in this area. I am interested in a list of ones you have seen.
Thanks
James Rutherford
Hi, James! Thanks for your interest! Out of curiosity, I did a quick scan in Light & Smith and in Lambert, but after your comment I did a more thorough review. Here are my lists (below). Seems like there might be questions about some of the "potential" species based on either depth or range or habitat. Any feedback would be welcome!
Observed by us (primarily intertidal zone, but some washed up in holdfasts):
1. Cucumaria miniata
2. Cucumaria pseudocurata
3. Parastichopus californicus
4. Eupentacta quinquesemita
5. Lissothura nutriens
6. Pachythyone rubra
7. Paracaudina chilensis
8. Pentamera pediparva
9. Leptosynapta albicans
10. Pseudocnus lubricus
Documented in deeper water off Bodega Head:
1. Psolus chitinoides
Potential to find?
1. Cucumaria pallida
Perhaps in this region, but usually subtidal:
1. Psolidum bidiscum
2. Psolus squamatus
3. Cucumaria piperata
4. Pseudocnus curatus
5. Pentamera lissoplaca
6. Pentamera populifera
7. Pentamera pseudocalcigera
8. Pentamera trachyplaca
9. Thyone benti
10. Molpadia intermedia
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