Brown Sandfish

Bohadschia marmorata

Bohadschia marmorata is a cylindrical sea cucumber that can reach lengths of about 35 centimetres. Its body is tough and leathery, featuring a rough surface due to embedded calcareous spicules. The coloration typically ranges from cream to orange, often marked with varying amounts of dark brown speckles and blotches. The underside has a pale longitudinal stripe and numerous tube feet with knobbly tips, which aid in movement and feeding. This species inhabits the sandy or gravelly bottoms of shallow waters in the Indo-Pacific region, with its range extending from the Red Sea and the east coast of Africa to Japan, the Philippines, and Australia. It can be found at depths of up to 36 metres and prefers environments such as reef flats and seagrass beds. Often, it buries itself in the sand, especially during the day or when it feels threatened. As a detritivore, Bohadschia marmorata feeds by using its tube feet to sift through sand and mud, consuming organic material and leaving behind a distinctive trail. Spawning has been noted in March and April, indicating a seasonal reproductive cycle. The conservation status of this species is not evaluated, and there is limited information available regarding its population trends.