Twelve deposit-feeding species of tropical holothuroid echinoderms (families Holothuriidae and Stichopodidae) were surveyed for the presence of UV-absorbing mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) during Austral summer at Hicks Reef, Great Barrier Reef (GBR). An additional species belonging to the Synaptidae was collected in Austral winter from Shrimp Reef, GBR. Tissues of all species contained MAA...

Sea cucumbers (holothuroids) play a major role in coastal environments; their detritivore conduct favors oxygen penetration the sediments and disposal of pathogens on sea floor. This study determined holothuroid diversity rocky intertidal zone Matanchén Bay, Mexico. Sampling campaigns were carried out January, March, May, July 2018. Linear transects (10 m length 1 width) perpendicular to coastl...

Despite their soft body and slow motion, sea cucumbers present a low predation rate, reflecting the presence of efficient defence systems. For instance, members of the family Holothuriidae rely on Cuvierian tubules for their defence. These tubules are normally stored in the posterior coelomic cavity of the animal, but when the sea cucumber is threatened by a potential predator, they are expelle...