Pseudocolochirus violaceus

(Théel, 1886)

Vernacular names
English : Sea apple
French : Pomme de mer

Classification
Class : Holothuroidea
Order : Dendrochirotida
Family : Cucumariidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can grow to 20 cm in length. Body shape variable from elongated to nearly spherical with five rows of bright yellow tube feets. Body color variable, from red to violet or blue with clearer areas near feet. Feeding tentacles red.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in the Indo-Pacific area, mostly around Singapore, Indonesia, Gulf of Thailand, Philippines, to northern Australia. Lives in coral and rocky reefs, in rubble and sea grass areas.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : NOT LISTED
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species hasn’t been listed by IUCN so far. It seems to remain locally common but is often harvested for the pet trade. This is not monitored yet.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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