Sea cucumber
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Sea cucumber
Sea cucumber (Thelenota sp.) spawning. Microscopic sex cells (gametes) are being released to allow fertilisation (the fusing of a male and a female sex cell). The resulting larvae may grow into adult sea cucumbers. This marine invertebrate is a member of a group of animals (echinoderms) that includes starfish. A sea cucumber lives on the sea floor, crawling on its projecting tube feet, but mostly remaining motionless and gathering its food from the water. It feeds on microscopic sea life (plankton) and also extracts nutrients from the surrounding mud. Sea cucumbers range in length from 2 centimetres to 2 metres. They are found worldwide. Photographed in the Red Sea
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6465701
© PETER SCOONES/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Bottom Echinoderm Echinodermata Floor Indian Indo Pacific Re Production Red Sea Reproducing Sand Sandy Sea Bed Sea Cucumber Sexual Spawning
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the mesmerizing moment of a sea cucumber (Thelenota sp. ) spawning in the depths of the Red Sea. The image showcases microscopic sex cells, known as gametes, being released into the water for fertilization to occur. This intricate process involves the fusion of a male and female sex cell, potentially leading to the growth of future adult sea cucumbers. As a marine invertebrate belonging to the echinoderm group, which also includes starfish, this sea cucumber resides on the sandy ocean floor. It navigates its surroundings by crawling using its tube feet while predominantly remaining motionless. Gathering sustenance from both microscopic plankton and nutrients present in surrounding mud, it exemplifies nature's ability to adapt and thrive. Sea cucumbers exhibit an impressive range in size, varying from 2 centimeters to an astonishing 2 meters long. Their presence is not limited geographically as they can be found worldwide across different oceans and seas. The photograph serves as a testament to underwater life's remarkable diversity and complexity. Its portrayal of reproduction highlights one aspect of these fascinating creatures' lifecycle that often goes unnoticed beneath tranquil waters. Through this stunning visual representation captured by Science Photo Library, we are granted a glimpse into nature's intricate workings below the surface of our planet's vast oceans.
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