Psolus phantapus explained

Psolus phantapus, also known as the brown psolus, is a species of sea cucumber in the family Psolidae.[1]

Description

Psolus phantapus have cylindrically body arched at both ends to form a U shape.[2] They grow up to 200 mm in length. They have a rectangular ventral sole at the base where tube feet concentrate.[3] Their colour range from yellowish brown to dark brown and black.

Habitat

Psolus phantapus are epifaunal and use the ventral sole to attach themselves. They are found at 4-500 m depth.

Diet

They are deposit feeders. They have ten bushy orange tentacles[4] that collect food from water.

Reproduction

They reproduce sexually. Breeding season is February-march.

Distribution

They are found in Arctic and Atlantic ocean.[5]

Notes and References

  1. http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=124710 "Psolus phantapus"
  2. http://www.european-marine-life.org/30/psolus-phantapus.php
  3. Web site: Marine Species Identification Portal : Psolus phantapus.
  4. http://www.habitas.org.uk/marinelife/species.asp?item=ZB5150
  5. http://www.seawater.no/fauna/echinodermata/phantapus.html