California Sea Cucumber (Apostichopus californicus)

Other Names: Giant red sea cumber

Description: The California sea cucumber is the largest species of sea cucumber on the West Coast, able to grow nearly two feet (50 cm) long! It is typically dark red, brown, or yellow. This species reaches reproductive maturity between 4 to 8 years old, and can live up to 12 years old.

Habitat: California sea cucumbers can be found from the low intertidal zone to depths of up to 295 feet (90 m). It prefers hard substrates like gravel and shell debris, in areas that are sheltered from strong waves and currents. California sea cucumbers can be found from the Western Aleutian Islands in Alaska to Baja California, Mexico.

Diet: The California sea cucumber is a deposit feeder, meaning it scoops up organic matter and microorganisms from bottom sediment. It is also able to take up nutrients through the respiratory organ in the anus.

Tide Pool Tidbits:

• Some populations of the California sea cucumber in the Puget Sound, WA have been found to lose almost all of their internal organs during autumn and then re-grow a completely new set!

• When disturbed or under threat, sea cucumbers can eviscerate, or expel, their internal organs.

Reference: Walla Walla College, Scripps Institution of Oceanography