147/150: Nutty Facts about the Peanut Worm!

Animalia: Sipuncula: Phascolosomatidea: Phascolosomatida: Phascolosomatidae: Phascolosoma agassizii (Henri Marie Ducrotay de Blainville, 1827)

Peanut worms, also known as Sipunculids are marine worms in that typically dwell in shallow waters. Sipuncula means “little tube” or “siphon” in Latin and refers to the introvert of peanut worms, a long sensitive tube ringed with tentacles which they can extend to collect food. Continue reading “147/150: Nutty Facts about the Peanut Worm!”

60/150: A beautiful, colourful sea cucumber hiding its beauty in-between crevices

Animalia: Echinodermata: Holothuroidea: Dendrochirotida: Cucumariidae: Cucumaria: Cucumaria miniata Brandt, 1835

The Orange Sea Cucumber (Cucumaria miniata) is easily recognizable by its distinct orange pigment. This radiant colouration is the result of the pigment created by cinnabar or vermilion. Sea cucumbers are related to sea stars and sea urchins, they are all from the phylum Echinodermata, which feature radial symmetry and tube feet. Underwater, this creature displays its oral tentacles in the form of a bush for feeding, while keeping the remaining parts of its body hidden between the crevices of rocks. Continue reading “60/150: A beautiful, colourful sea cucumber hiding its beauty in-between crevices”