Invertebrates

Zone 11
Clownfish, Anemone, Invertebrates, Sea Cucumbers, Stonefish.

Symbiosis is the name given to a relationship between individuals from different species where all benefit, for example the relationship between cleaner shrimps and the fish they clean – the fish has parasites removed and the shrimp gets food! Clownfish and anemones also have a symbiotic relationship. Clownfish are thought to find safety amongst the anemone’s stinging tentacles and in return, clownfish seem to keep the anemone clear of debris.

Sea cucumbers are related to starfish and sea urchins, with tube feet along their body to help them walk, burrow or grip the seabed. Some sea cucumbers have an unusual way of protecting themselves. They point their anus at an attacker and throw out sticky threads that dramatically expand in size and seem to deter or entangle would-be predators! They can also soften their body to squeeze into hiding places and then stiffen to wedge themselves in!
Max size – Approx 1cm – 5m, depending on species
Distribution – Global but most diverse on tropical, shallow-water coral reefs
Feeds on – Plankton (microscopic animals & plants) and detritus

Indo-Pacific Sea Apple – Pseudocolochirus violaceus

The Indo-Pacific sea apple (or violet sea cucumber) is a type of sea cucumber. It uses branched tentacles to gather tiny edible bits from the water, then puts them into its mouth to ‘wipe them clean’ of any food! When stressed or dead, sea apples release highly toxic membranes and can poison animals living nearby. Sadly, many sea cucumbers have been over-exploited for pharmaceutical research, as a gourmet food item and for the aquarium industry.
Max size – Approx 17.5cm
Distribution – East Indian Ocean and western Pacific
Feeds on – Plankton