The red-lined sea cucumber, Thelenota rubralineata, is also known as the candy cane sea cucumber due to its stripy looks.
This is an unusual echinoderm species found mainly in the coral triangle between Malaysia, the Philippines, and Australia. It can reach up to 20 inches (51 centimeters) in length, and 7 pounds (3 kilograms) in weight.
Sea cucumbers are filter feeders. Some species use their tentacles to filter sand, while others capture plankton in the water.
In Asia, edible species are considered a delicacy. This particular species goes by the name “lemonfish” because it is considered very tasty.
sea cucumbers can defend themselves from predators via evisceration. They eject their intestines or respiratory organs as sticky threads, which they can rapidly regenerate.
Matthew Oldfield is a freelance photographer based in Bali, Indonesia, specializing in editorial and documentary images from both above and below the waves. He works primarily with charities, NGO’s, and other organizations working to conserve the environment, endangered species, and disappearing cultures.
