Back
Pseudocolochirus axiologus (Clark, 1914)
| Family Name: | Cucumariidae |
| Taxonomic Group: | Invertebrates (Echinoderm) |
| Common Name: | Sea-Apple |
Name
Ecology, Habitat & Location
| Ecological Notes | Found occasionally on the beach at low tide at Changi and in offshore dredge hauls in the same area. Seen rarely on reef slopes around the southern islands. The branching tree-like tentacles trap suspended organic food. |
|---|---|
| Habitats | Marine, Sandy Shore |
| Distribution | Found at Changi Beach, offshore near Pulau Tekong (prior to recent reclamation at least) and, rarely, around the Southern Islands. Picture shows P. violaceus. |
| Nature Areas | Pulau Tekong |
Conservation
| Trends & Threats | This attractive species is sold in the aquarium trade, but it is believed that the source of supply is outside Singapore waters. However, collection by beachcombers could present a threat to local populations. Land reclamation of former sampling sites in the Changi/Tekong area at the beginning of this century has almost certainly had an impact on populations and continues to threaten local stocks. |
|---|---|
| Scientific Interest & Potential Value | The bright colouration of the Sea Apple is attractive to the aquarist but it may serve as a warning colouration to potential predators. Little is known about this animal but striking colours may indicate the possession of some form of chemical defence - chemicals which might be useful to mankind. |
| Conservation Notes | Although not rare locally, this species is never found in large numbers and its limited distribution makes it vulnerable to over-exploitation by collectors or to major habitat losses resulting from extensive dredging and land reclamation. |
Photos
References
| References | Davison, G.W.H., Ng, P.K.L. & Ho, H.C (Eds.). 2008. The Singapore Red Data Book (2nd Edition). Singapore: Nature Society (Singapore). 285pp |
|---|