Candycane Sea Cucumber

Thelenota rubralineata

Thelenota rubralineata is a large sea cucumber characterized by its elongated, trapezoidal body, which can reach lengths of 30 to 39 cm. It features a distinctive pattern of red lines on a white base, with maze-like designs towards the middle. The dorsal surface is covered with conical arms and papillae, while the ventral surface has numerous podia. This species is found primarily on outer coral reef slopes in the central Indo-Pacific region, typically at depths of 20 meters and deeper, often in areas with rubble and coarse sand patches. It is distributed across various locations including Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and the Philippines. In terms of diet, T. rubralineata feeds on organic matter and detritus found on the seabed. It is a gonochoric species, meaning it has distinct male and female individuals, and engages in external fertilization during reproduction. The life cycle includes planktonic larval stages before settling into juvenile sea cucumbers. Encounters with divers are generally infrequent, as this species is widespread but not often found in large densities, making it a unique sight during dives. Although it is not among the most economically valuable echinoderms, it faces potential threats from overfishing as more commonly harvested species decline.