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Sea Cucumbers: Holothuroidea

Sea Cucumbers And People

People in several Asian and Pacific Island countries eat sea cucumbers in a dish called trepang. Sea cucumbers also are used in aquariums. The toxins in sea cucumber skin are being studied for use as drugs.

TREPANG

Dried and processed sea cucumbers, called trepang (trih-PANG) or bêche-de-mer (besh-duh-MEHR) are sold as a delicacy in Asia, where they form the basis of a multimillion dollar industry. Demand for trepang is increasing, and overfishing is a threat in many areas. The most valuable species for trepang are slow-growing, long-lived sea cucumbers that live in warm, shallow water, where they are easily harvested.

Additional topics

Animal Life ResourceJellyfish, Sponges, and Other Simple AnimalsSea Cucumbers: Holothuroidea - Physical Characteristics, Behavior And Reproduction, Sea Cucumbers And People, Candy Cane Sea Cucumber (thelenota Rubralineata): Species Accounts - GEOGRAPHIC RANGE, HABITAT, DIET, CONSERVATION STATUS