Holothuria (Halodeima) grisea Selenka, 1867

Figure 29

Holothuria (Halodeima) grisea .—Hendler et al.: 287, figs 160, 184A–H.

Material examined. USNM E21378, Florida, Cape Canaveral, 28°13'N, 80°36'W,, Sta FLA#15, June 30, 1965, 2m.

Diagnosis. This species can reach a length of 25cm. The striking, harlequin colors, with bright red and yellow tints, are distinctive. The mouth is directed slightly downward, with 20–25 bushy peltate tentacles. The body wall ossicles, tables (up to 60 μm) with about 12 marginal spines on the disk, are scattered. There is also an inner layer of plates (50 μm) with 2 or 4 central holes, and the margins of the plates are equipped with blunt teeth.

Distribution. N FL, TX, Gulf of Mexico, Puerto Rico, Panama, Lesser Antilles, Colombia, Brazil, Jamaica, West Africa, Venezuela, Ascension.

Habitat. Seagrass flats, sandy bottoms. Littoral.

Remarks. This species uses its numerous tube feet to gain a tenacious grip on hard substrates. As a consequence it may be found in shallow water, where wave action apparently does not present problems.