Tigerfish

Bohadschia atra

Bohadschia atra is a species of sea cucumber that can be found in the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean. This benthic organism typically inhabits sandy and muddy bottoms at depths ranging from 0 to 12 meters. It can reach a maximum length of 40 cm. The sea cucumber's body is elongated and cylindrical, making it distinguishable from other similar species. The texture of its skin may vary, but it often has a rough appearance that can help divers identify it in its natural habitat. Tigerfish primarily feed on detritus, which includes decomposing organic matter found on the ocean floor. They play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem by recycling nutrients through their feeding habits. As gonochoric organisms, they have distinct male and female individuals, and their reproduction involves external fertilization. The life cycle of Bohadschia atra includes the development of embryos into planktotrophic larvae, which eventually metamorphose into juvenile sea cucumbers. Encounters with this species during dives can be quite common. Divers may observe them slowly moving along the substrate, blending into their surroundings. While they are not known to be aggressive, their presence contributes to the overall biodiversity of the reef ecosystem.