Eupentacta quinquesemita

The Stiff-footed Sea Cucumber

Phylum Echinodermata
Class Holothuroidea 
Order Dendrochirotida 
Family Sclerodactylidae
Genus Eupentacta
Species quinquesemita

Description: 10 cm long, 15 mm wide; cucumber shaped; white or cream colored with orange-yellow tinge. 5 thick rows of stiff, semi-retractable tube feet; 10 short, branched tentacles around the mouth.

Habitat: Mostly subtidal, but often found on floating docks or pilings.

Natural History: It is the most common sea cucumber found on floating docks and pilings in our area. Usually it is hidden in mussel beds. In rocky habitats, it is found wedged in between rocks. Detritus and plankton are caught in oral tentacles and then are brought to the mouth. When disturbed or in danger, it can eject part of its digestive tract and other organs, which are later regenerated.