HRAP Online Encyclopedia

Sea Cucumbers

Sea cucumbers are a relative of sea stars, sea urchins, and sand dollars. Unlike sea stars, the sea cucumbers of the Pacific Northwest are not skilled predators. They function as ocean floor cleaners, filtering through sand to eat bit of detritus (decaying plant and animal matter). When threatened, they will expel a portion of their internal organs in an attempt to scare the predator. The cucumber can then go onto completely regrow their organs. At Haystack Rock cucumbers are usually found tucked into rock crevices, often by The Needles.