Australostichopus mollis
| Australasian sea cucumber | |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Echinodermata |
| Class: | Holothuroidea |
| Order: | Aspidochirotida |
| Family: | Stichopodidae |
| Genus: |
Australostichopus Levin in Moraes, Norhcote, Kalinin, Avilov, Silchenko & Dmitrenok, 2004 |
| Species: | A. mollis |
| Binomial name | |
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Australostichopus mollis (Hutton, 1872) |
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| Synonyms | |
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Australostichopus mollis, formerly Stichopus mollis, commonly known as brown sea cucumber or Australasian sea cucumber, is a species of sea cucumber that has stimulated interest for its fishery potential in the Southern Hemisphere, and for its capability to reduce waste produced by aquaculture. It is the sole species in the genus Australostichopus. Despite its ecological role and abundance in New Zealand coastal waters, the scarcity of knowledge regarding A. mollis biology and ecology has hindered the development of a stable fishery industry. Importantly, A. mollis represents promising business potential within an important Asian market.
In New Zealand, A. mollis is found from Cook Strait to Stewart Island, sometimes co-existing with reef structures; and from New South Wales to south Western Australia. The species principally inhabits the littoral at low tide level on sand, as well as in mud in protected areas. Their vertical range goes from shallows waters on the coast to around 200 metres of depth.
Adult size is typically from 13 to 25 cm. Body is soft, and colour varies from light mottled brown to black. A tube foot is present ventrally or extending up the whole body. Tentacles (20) with disc shaped tips surround the slit-like mouth. Retractor muscles are absent. Dorsally, A. mollis has pointed papillae which can be reduced on preservation.
Described as detritivores, A. mollis mainly capture particles of organic matter from the substrata, which is highly nutritious.
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