Giant California Sea Cucumber

Apostichopus californicus

Apostichopus californicus is a soft-bodied sea cucumber that can reach lengths of up to 50 cm and widths of about 5 cm. Its skin ranges in color from red-brown to yellowish and has a leathery texture. The body is cylindrical, with a mouth at one end surrounded by twenty retractable tentacles, which it uses to gather food. Five rows of tube feet extend along the underside, helping it attach to rocky substrates. This species is typically found in the eastern Pacific, from the Gulf of Alaska to Baja California, inhabiting rocky and sandy bottoms in the low intertidal zone and down to depths of 250 m, although most occurrences are recorded shallower than 40 m. They thrive in areas with moderate currents and structures like cobbles and boulders. As scavengers, giant California sea cucumbers feed on organic matter by sifting through sediments or positioning themselves in currents to capture food with their tentacles. They can live for up to 10 years. These sea cucumbers are solitary and nocturnal, exhibiting interesting defensive behaviors such as evisceration when threatened, which involves expelling their internal organs. Reproduction occurs externally, with spawning typically happening in August, during which females can release thousands of eggs. The fertilized eggs develop into larvae before metamorphosing into juvenile sea cucumbers. The giant California sea cucumber is artisanally fished, and its conservation status is listed as Least Concern. Encountering this species while diving can be an intriguing experience, as they often blend into their rocky surroundings, making them less noticeable until approached closely.