Australostichopus is a genus of sea cucumbers in the family Stichopodidae. It is monotypic, being represented by the single species Australostichopus mollis, commonly known as the brown sea cucumber or Australasian sea cucumber. This species has stimulated interest for its fishery potential in the Southern Hemisphere, and for its capability to reduce waste produced by aquaculture. Despite its ecological role and abundance in New Zealand coastal waters, the scarcity of knowledge regarding A. mollis biology and ecology has hindered the development of a stable fishery industry. Importantly, A. mollis represents promising business potential within an important Asian market.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it venomous or poisonous?
We have no record of Australasian Brown Sea Cucumber being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
- Holothuria arguinensis
- Holothuria tubulosa
- Holothuria mammata
- Holothuria grisea
- Holothuria inornata
- Holothuria poli
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Echinodermata
- Class
- Holothuroidea
- Order
- Synallactida
- Family
- Stichopodidae
- Genus
- Australostichopus
- Species
- Australostichopus mollis
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