(RED) SEA CUCUMBERS
Parastichopus californicus, or Red Sea Cucumbers are ocean dwellers, though some live in the shallows and others live in the deep ocean. They live near the ocean floor and some are partially buried underneath it. Sea cucumbers feed on tiny particles like algae, minute aquatic animals, or waste materials. They can range from under an inch long to over 6 feet! There are 1,250 known species, and a lot of these animals are actually shaped like soft-bodied cucumbers.
digestive system
Sea cucumbers have very simple digestive systems
Starts at the mouth- The mouth and bottom are located at opposite ends of the body. The mouth is surrounded by tentacles that capture plankton and organic matter. They also can use their tentacles to direct food towards the mouth. (Like in this video) In addition, they can sit in a current and hold out their tentacles to filter food from the water. Behind the mouth is the Pharynx, which opens up to lead to the stomach.
The stomach and intestines- The food is passed through the pharynx, sometimes to an esophagus first, to the stomach. In the stomach, the food is broken down into essential nutrients. Then, the waste product is sent through the long coiling intestine, which loops through the body, and out of the system through the anus.
Starts at the mouth- The mouth and bottom are located at opposite ends of the body. The mouth is surrounded by tentacles that capture plankton and organic matter. They also can use their tentacles to direct food towards the mouth. (Like in this video) In addition, they can sit in a current and hold out their tentacles to filter food from the water. Behind the mouth is the Pharynx, which opens up to lead to the stomach.
The stomach and intestines- The food is passed through the pharynx, sometimes to an esophagus first, to the stomach. In the stomach, the food is broken down into essential nutrients. Then, the waste product is sent through the long coiling intestine, which loops through the body, and out of the system through the anus.