Brown Curryfish Sea Cucumber

Stichopus vastus

Stichopus vastus is a species of sea cucumber that can be found on the seabed in the tropical, western Indo-Pacific Ocean. This species typically reaches a maximum length of 31.0 cm. It inhabits seagrass beds, particularly those dominated by Enhalus acoroides and Thalassia hemprichii, as well as areas under coralline algae. Larger individuals tend to occupy deeper soft coral rubble areas outside of these seagrass habitats. Divers may encounter this species in shallow waters, as it is usually found at depths ranging from 0 to 8 meters, with most occurrences recorded shallower than 20 meters.  In terms of diet, Stichopus vastus feeds on detritus and organic matter found on the seabed. As a member of the class Holothuroidea, it reproduces through external fertilization, with embryos developing into planktotrophic larvae before metamorphosing into juvenile sea cucumbers. This species is categorized as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating that it is not currently facing significant threats.  When divers encounter the Brown Curryfish Sea Cucumber, they may observe its slow-moving nature as it grazes along the seafloor. Its coloration and texture can help distinguish it from other sea cucumbers in the area. The presence of this species at numerous dive sites makes it a relatively common sight for divers exploring its habitat.