Blackfish
Holothuria (Halodeima) atra
All black in colour and often covered with sand, sometimes smaller individuals will leave small areas of skin uncovered. Cylindrical, soft and pliable. Tegument smooth.
Morphology
Black feeding tentacles; spicules tables with reduced discs, moderate spire with "maltese cross" and rosettes.
Behaviour
On sand of intertidal and subtidal reefs. Secretes a red toxic fluid if disturbed.
Method of reproduction
sexual reproduction and asexually by fission
Habitat
Marine
Found on sand in shallow, tropical waters
Distribution
Widespread Indo Pacific. WA: Houtman Abrolhos to Kimberley and offshore from Rowley Shoals to Hibernia Reef.
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum: | Echinodermata |
| Subphylum: | Echinozoa |
| Class: | Holothuroidea |
| Order: | Holothuriida |
| Family: | Holothuriidae |
| Genus: | Holothuria |
| Subgenus: | Halodeima |
| Species: | atra |
| Name Published Year: | 1833 |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name Authorship: | Jaeger |
| Commercial Impact: | Fished as Trepang |
| Conservation Assessment: | Least Concern |
Cite this page
Western Australian Museum Collections https://museum.wa.gov.au/online-collections/names/Holothuria-Halodeima-atra
Accessed 8 May 2025
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