Holothuriida is an order of Holothuroidea.
Description and characteristics
Species of the order Holothuriida are distinguished from other sea cucumbers by the presence of flattened, often leaf-like tentacles, but without the other large appendages found in the related order
Elasipodida. They do not have introvert or retractor muscles.
[ An illustrated key to the sea cucumbers of the South Atlantic Bight Retrieved 2012-02-12.] The
tube feet often form a clearly demarcated sole. They have 15-30 shield-shaped retractile
surrounding their mouths. The body wall is thick and leathery and contains ossicles, including some table-shaped ones. They have respiratory trees for gas exchange. The mesentery of the posterior loop of their gut is attached to the right ventral interradius. The muscles that run longitudinally down the body are arranged into five double bands. They can emit sticky white threads known as cuvierian tubules from their
in order to distract or entangle
Predation. They are usually found in exposed shallow-water environments.
[ Order Aspidochirotida Marine Species Identification Portal. Retrieved 2012-02-10.]
Conservation status
Their popularity as luxury
seafood in some Asian countries poses a serious threat to the order.
List of families
Image:Actinopyga echinites1.jpg| Actinopyga echinites
Image:Bohadschia argus.jpg| Bohadschia argus
Image:Holothuria edulis1.JPG| Holothuria edulis
Image:Labidodemas rugosum.jpg| Labidodemas rugosum
Image:Pearsonothuria graeffei Voavah.JPG| Pearsonothuria graeffei
Image:Mesothuria.jpg| Mesothuria sp.
