Holothuria (Halodeima) edulis in situ (Photo: WA Museum)

Pinkfish

Holothuria (Halodeima) edulis

Size to approximately 30 cm, cylindrical, medium sized holothurian with dark upper surface soft and pliable, reddish-pink ventrally and dark red to black dorsally. Body flexible and smooth.  

Morphology

Tegument smooth; spicules with tables and small disc. 

Behaviour

Species found in intertidal region under stones. Nocturnal feeder, hiding during day under coral slabs and sand. Feeds on organic matter and biofilm on sediment grains. Mixes and aerates sediment surface. Capable of evisceration as a means of defence.

Method of reproduction

Sexual reproduction and asexually by fission.

Habitat

Marine

Found in shallow, tropical waters associated with coral reefs.

Distribution

Widespread Indo Pacific. WA: Abrolhos to Kimberley and offshore from Rowley Shoals to Hibernia Reef.

Taxonomy

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Echinodermata
Subphylum: Echinozoa
Class: Holothuroidea
Order: Holothuriida
Family: Holothuriidae
Genus: Holothuria
Subgenus: Halodeima
Species: edulis
Name Published Year: 1830
Scientific Name Authorship: Lesson
Commercial Impact: 

Fished as low value Trepang

Conservation Assessment: Least Concern

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Western Australian Museum Collections https://museum.wa.gov.au/online-collections/names/Holothuria-Halodeima-edulis
Accessed 3 Sep 2023

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