About Isostichopus badionotus (Selenka, 1867)
Isostichopus badionotus (Selenka, 1867) is a large sea cucumber species. It can reach a maximum length of 45 cm (1 ft 6 in), while the average adult size is around 21 cm (8 in). It has distinctive dark warts arranged in three coarse rows along its dorsal surface. The rest of its body can range in color from white, through various shades of orange, to brown, and sometimes bears large brownish stains. Its mouth is located on the ventral side, and is surrounded by approximately 20 large tentacles. This species is widespread across the warm Atlantic Ocean. Its range extends from North Carolina, USA, through the Caribbean, to northern Brazil; it is also found at Ascension Island and in the Gulf of Guinea. It occurs at depths between 0 and 55 m (0–180 ft), and inhabits shallow waters across a wide variety of bottom types, including sand, mud, rock, and seaweed. Like other tropical Holothuroidea, Isostichopus badionotus is dioecious. Males and females release their gametes into the water, where fertilization occurs externally. A study conducted in the Caribbean Sea found that this species experiences an increase in reproductive activity as water temperatures rise.
