Plesiocolochirus ignava

Plesiocolochirus ignava
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Size: 3 cm

Distribution: All SA coastal and gulf waters

Habitat: Rocky areas, on seaweed and under rocks

Depth: Lower intertidal to 10+ metres

Plesiocolochirus ignava
Plesiocolochirus ignava
Plesiocolochirus ignava
Plesiocolochirus ignava
Plesiocolochirus ignava
Plesiocolochirus ignava

In spite of its distinctive appearance, this sea cucumber is not often seen, well-camouflaged on the underside of rocks. It is squarish in cross-section, with long but retractable tube feet on the edges. It has a mottled colouration, usually red, orange and white, but also occasionally brown and white. This colouration bears similarities with other sea cucumbers, such as Squamocnus aureoruber, but its shape distinguishes it. In all likelihood however, it it more likely to be confused with a serpulid worm tube at first glance, a mistake that is easily corrected on close inspection.