Reproduction
The swimming sea cucumber has a very interesting way of
reproducing offspring. Unlike many other sea cucumbers the
Enypniastes eximia reproduces by giving live birth.
There are many reasons this cucumber does this. If the swimming
sea cucumber were to lay eggs or release eggs/sperm in the ocean
the two may never meet due to the swift current that lays
directly above the sediment, where they feed. This way of
reproducing “suggests poor dispersal ability during the early
development stages” (Ohta, 1985). This is advantageous to do, so
as many offspring as possible grow into maturity. The adult
swimming sea cucumber is around 7-17cm and the juvenile sea
cucumber is just a measly 2 cm long (Robinson, 1992). Many
other animals also give live birth, such as the
orangutan. If you are wondering what type of animal does not
give live birthor learn about an animal that does not give live
birth, you can learn about the
blue
winged teal's reproductive strategies.
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All photos used by permission. See References for original source.