Kingdom : Animalia Class : Holothuroidea Scientific Name : Holothuroidea Size : 0.6 - 30cm (0.25 - 12in) Water Type : Salt Optimum pH Level : 7.5 - 8.4 Life Span : 1 -4 years Colour : Yellow, Tan, White, Black, Orange, Skin Type : Smooth Special Features : Elongated body shape and colourfull markings
- Sea slugs are marine animals that are found in the oceans all around the world.
- There are more than a 1,000 species of sea slugs found in the world.
- Depending on the species, they vary in size, color and shape.
- They are also known as Sea Cucumbers as they are mostly motionless and also because of their shape.
- They are usually found on coral rocks and are known to feed on the decomposing matter on the sea floor.
- Consequently, they are extremely beneficial and important for the sea environment and other sea animals.
- They are herbivores, feeding on algae, plankton and decomposing matter on the ocean floor.
- Their numerous natural predators include lobsters, fish, crabs, other marine predatory animals and humans.
- Unfortunately, they are defenseless against their predators, unless they are a species with tentacles.
- The sea slugs with tentacles can wrap themselves around their predators, thereby preventing them from harming.
- Sea slugs are hermaphrodites, having both the male and female reproductive organs.
- They release eggs in sticky clusters, which appear like a ribbon and are then fertilized.
- The eggs hatch and the sea slug larvae soon grow bigger.
- Interestingly, humans have harvested sea slugs for medicines as they supposedly have healing properties.
- Apart from that humans also harvest them as a source of food.