Holothuria (Halodeima) grisea Selenka 1867

Its numerous tube feet give H. grisea a tenacious grip on hard substrates, and it cannot be pulled away from aquarium walls without damaging the feet. On the southeast coast of Florida, large numbers of these sea cucumbers are often associated with Phragmatopoma lapidosa worm reefs, at least during the summer months. At one locality (Fort Walton rocks, near Fort Pierce), individuals disappear from the reefs during the winter, possibly migrating some distance offshore. In some localities, individuals are numerous in shallow lagoons, especially where marine grasses are abundant. During extreme low tides, these areas may be almost desiccated and the temperatures can exceed 35°C, but the holothuroids somehow are capable of tolerating the harsh conditions. A preliminary study of ovarian ultrastructure and oogenesis in this species revealed features typical of several other holothuroids that have been similarly examined (Eckelbarger and Young 1992). However, the oocytes of H. grisea have highly branched microvilli and endocytotic vesicles, which may be involved in the uptake of nutrients during yolk production. Its pattern of coelom formation during early development has also been studied, with surprising results (Balser et al. 1993). Although holothuroid larvae were thought to lack an axocoel, the auricularia larva of this and other species was found to possess an axocoel that is lined with mesothelial podocytes and is connected, by a duct, to a pore on the dorsal surface of the larva" (Hendler et al 287).

“Generally on seagrass flats, but in Florida it is commonly associated with Phragmatopoma lapidosa Kinberg worm reefs, and on sandy bottoms” (Hendler, Miller, Pawson, Kier 287).

“Florida (but not reported from the Florida Keys), the Bahama Islands, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, the Lesser Antilles to Curacao, Panama, Colombia, southern Brazil, and West Africa. Although reported for coastal Texas, it may not be a year-round inhabitant there (Pomory 1989). Depth: Less than 5 m (less than 16 ft)” (Hendler Miller, Pawson, Kier 287).

“Individuals of this species can reach a length of 25 em (10 in). The body is subcylindrical, with a distinctly flattened sole covered with numerous cylindrical tube feet. The upper body surface carries six rows (four in young animals) of papillae, borne upon very large warts, each wart surrounded by 5-10 small tube feet. The mouth is directed slightly downward, with 20-25 bushy peltate tentacles. The striking, harlequin colors of this species are a helpful distinguishing feature. The ground color of living animals, red or yellowish red, contrasts with brown mottling and with white papillae with yellow tips on the upper body. The feet on the sole are yellow-tipped, and the tentacles are yellow. The body wall ossicles, tables with about 12 marginal spines on the disk, are scattered. There is also an inner layer of plates, with two or four central holes and some smaller peripheral holes, and the margins of the plates are equipped with blunt teeth” (Hendler, Miller, Pawson, Kier 287).