Holothuria | |
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Holothuria pervicax | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Echinodermata |
Class: | Holothuroidea |
Order: | Holothuriida |
Family: | Holothuriidae |
Genus: | Holothuria Linnaeus, 1767 |
Type species | |
Holothuria tubulosa Gmelin, 1791
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Species | |
Over 100, see text. | |
Synonyms | |
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Holothuria is the type genus of the marine animal family Holothuriidae,[1] part of the class Holothuroidea, commonly known as sea cucumbers. Members of the genus are found in coastal waters in tropical and temperate regions. They are soft-bodied, limbless invertebrates which dwell on the ocean floor and are usually detritivores. They resemble a cucumber in form. The genus contains some species that are harvested and sold as food.