This sedentary deep-sea creature has developed remarkable survival tactics, using camouflage and sticky tentacles to thrive in the harsh conditions of Monterey Canyon.
Deep beneath the ocean’s surface, in the Monterey Canyon, researchers have observed a truly unique and remarkable sea creature—the armoured sea cucumber (Psolus squamatus). As detailed by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI), this creature has managed to adapt in extraordinary ways to life in the deep ocean, thriving in conditions that would overwhelm many other marine species. The armoured sea cucumber is particularly fascinating due to its sedentary lifestyle and unique physical adaptations, which enable it to survive in one of the harshest and least explored environments on Earth.
The MBARI video, narrated by Cassy Burrier, showcases the impressive survival tactics of the armoured sea cucumber, which lives between 40 and 1,400 meters deep. This species avoids predators through a combination of camouflage, defensive behavior, and its ability to feed without moving.
________________________________________________________________________
Read Also : Uttarakhand glacier burst | Experts point to climate change impact
________________________________________________________________________
How the Armoured Sea Cucumber Survives in the Deep Ocean
Unlike most sea cucumbers that meander across the seafloor, the armoured sea cucumber is a sedentary species, staying largely in one location for much of its life. This adaptation, while seemingly a disadvantage in terms of mobility, has proven to be an effective survival strategy in the deep, dark waters of the Monterey Canyon. “Deep beneath the ocean’s surface, this homebody holds tight to the rocky seafloor,” says Cassy Burrier, the narrator in MBARI’s video.
Its sedentary nature might make the armoured sea cucumber an easy target for predators, but this unique creature has evolved an impressive defense mechanism. The cucumber is covered in tough, armored scales, which help protect it from predators that roam the seafloor, including crabs and other scavengers. It remains attached to the seafloor, using the underside of its body to create a form of suction, ensuring it doesn’t drift away.
Moreover, the armoured sea cucumber’s low profile and muted color play a critical role in its ability to avoid detection. “A low profile and muted colour help too,” says Burrier. “With their tentacles tucked in, Psolus looks like a rock to a crab that walks past.” This ingenious camouflage allows the sea cucumber to blend seamlessly with its rocky environment, further reducing the likelihood of becoming prey.
________________________________________________________________________
Also Read : Yard Stick provides measurement technology to combat climate change
________________________________________________________________________
Feeding Without Moving: A Unique Adaptation
One of the most fascinating aspects of the armoured sea cucumber is its method of feeding. Unlike many other marine creatures that actively hunt or scavenge, the armoured sea cucumber doesn’t need to move in search of food. Instead, it relies on the ocean currents to bring plankton and small organic matter right to its doorstep.
The sea cucumber extends sticky tentacles into the passing currents to capture tiny organisms like plankton, which become its primary food source. These tentacles are coated with mucus, which helps trap the food as it floats by. This passive feeding method means the sea cucumber doesn’t need to expend energy chasing down prey, allowing it to survive while remaining stationary for extended periods.
However, this method of feeding also has its drawbacks. The armoured sea cucumber is not equipped to differentiate between plankton and microplastics, meaning it is vulnerable to the growing threat of plastic pollution in the ocean. As microplastics continue to accumulate in marine ecosystems, the armoured sea cucumber, along with many other marine species, faces the risk of consuming harmful plastic debris, which can impact its health and the overall health of the ecosystem.
________________________________________________________________________
Also Read : WILL BIRDS GO EXTINCT? STUDY REVEALS THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE
________________________________________________________________________
The Impact of Plastic Pollution on the Armoured Sea Cucumber
Although the armoured sea cucumber is perfectly adapted to life on the seafloor, it faces a modern challenge: microplastic pollution. The creature’s feeding strategy, which involves the capture of small particles in the water, makes it particularly susceptible to ingesting plastic waste. Since it cannot distinguish between plankton and microplastics, it may inadvertently consume plastic particles that accumulate in the deep ocean.
The impact of this pollution on marine species like the armoured sea cucumber is concerning, as it can interfere with their feeding habits, disrupt their digestion, and lead to long-term health issues.
NOTE – This article was originally published in indiandefencereview and can be viewed here
