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Sea pigs, also called scotoplanes, are a genus of sea cucumbers that belong to the family Elpidiidae. What do you know about these sea cucumbers? Focus on their physical characteristics, environment and diet.
THE guinea pigs they are curious animals, abundant in the abyss.
How to recognize a porpoise?
Make no mistake, porpoises look nothing like the land mammals we are familiar with. On the contrary, these small animals have a soft oval body that measures around fifteen cm in length. They are often compared to potatoes! These sea cucumbers are pale pink in color, bordering on translucent. They are recognizable by their tube feet that allow them to walk on sand. They also have four dorsal papillae that help them find food. Finally, they have ten tentacles around their mouths. What is the difference with the famous sea cucumbers? They resemble vegetables: they have an elongated body and rounded ends.
What are the peculiarities of the guinea pig?
The first peculiarity of the guinea pig is that it has a poorly developed respiratory system. This sea cucumber breathes through its anus: its opening expands and then contracts. Specifically, oxygen is extracted and water is displaced. The porpoise has adapted to the depth.
The second peculiarity? The ability of guinea pigs to defend themselves against predators. When threatened, they shoot sticky, poisonous fibers from their mouths. This toxin, called holothurin, aims to poison the enemy. Note that these marine invertebrates can swim if they feel threatened.
The third and final characteristic of sea cucumbers is that they live in harmony with other species. This is true for sea snails, crustaceans and even flatfish. Young crabs have often been observed clinging to porpoises to protect themselves from enemies.
Where does the porpoise live?
The porpoise lives mainly in the Indian Ocean, the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean. It develops in the abyss, sometimes at extreme depths. Its preferred habitat is more than 6,000 meters deep. Some porpoises have even been spotted at 9,500 meters. Sea cucumbers are social: they live in groups of several hundred individuals. All members move in the same direction, against the direction of the sea current. They move very slowly.
What do porpoises eat?
The porpoise is a deposit feeding animal. It feeds on organic matter present on the surface of the soil. These mainly consist of the remains of algae and decaying animals. Sea cucumbers sort the materials they are about to swallow using the tentacles around their mouths. FYI, a porpoise can ingest 45 kg of sediment each year. They play a key role in the life of the seabed!