Where in the World?

Although a few sea cucumbers can be found in some of the deepest parts of the ocean, Stichopus chloronotus is generally found in shallower areas of the ocean. They usually reside around reefs, reef flats, upper slopes and sandy flats but can also be found under large pieces of coral rubble.  Other species that share this kind of environment include, organisms such as the ocellaris clownfish (far left), Japanese Puffer Fish (far right), the blue-spotted stingray, or the magician's cone snail.

Stichopus chloronotus is most common in the tropical Indo-Pacific area where they are exploited as a commercial good. The Indo-Pacific region includes the Indian Ocean, the Central Pacific Ocean and the seas located around Indonesia. The species tend to group together and are often found in large numbers (usually several species per square meter). They are mainly nocturnal organisms and tend to be most active during the evening through early morning. Juveniles tend to reside in shallower waters with higher densities of organic matter and a smaller grain size of sediment.

 

The red dots on this map indicate various locations in which Stichopus chloronotus has been recorded.

Or learn about what adaptations the species has developed in order to live in this environment!