Paelopatides Sea Cucumber

Paelopatides Sea Cucumber (Paelopatides confundens)

Specimen from Axial Base. Photo credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF; V14

This species was observed at the base of Axial. Its purple hue gave VISIONS scientists the idea to nickname it a Sea Eggplant, since it inhabits the same area as other sea cucumbers.

References:
http://www.mbari.org/benthic/holothurians.html

 

This particular sea cucumber was seen near the seafloor at Slope Base, “swimming” in the water column at a depth of 2897 m, just above the seafloor.  It looked purplish-brown from a distance, and closer it looked purplish-pink. Photo Credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF; Dive 1757; V14
This particular sea cucumber was seen near the seafloor at Slope Base, “swimming” in the water column at a depth of 2897 m, just above the seafloor.  It looked purplish-brown from a distance, and closer it looked purplish-pink. Photo Credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF; Dive 1757; V14
unkownseacucumber1_med
Specimen from Axial Base. Photo credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF; V14
Specimen from Axial Base. Photo credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF; V14
This large purple sea cucumber (Holothurian) was seen at the base of Axial Seamount, foraging through the sediments. This one is likely Paelopadites confundens. Photo credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF; V14.
This large purple sea cucumber (Holothurian) was seen at the base of Axial Seamount, foraging through the sediments. This one is likely Paelopadites confundens. Photo credit: NSF-OOI/UW/CSSF; V14.