Sea cucumbers of Paelopatides species can be confused with species of Benthodytes, and species identification requires specimen examination. The holothurian assumes a vertical posture for swimming and can sustain active swimming for more than 20 minutes. This sea cucumber was found swimming at the Slope Base site (~2900 m). Credit: UW/OOI-NSF/WHOI; Dive J2-973; V17.