Description: A common large epifaunal sea cucumber. Colour is variable, usually black but sometimes with yellow mottling especially on the underside. The dorsal papillae may be white-tipped. The animal will readily eject white threads, the cuvierian organs, from the rear end if molested, hence the common name "Cotton-Spinner". The spicules are very small and rare in the body wall. To 30cm length.

Habitat: Lives in rocky sublittoral habitats with considerable wave exposure.

Distribution: Common in rocky sites around SW Britain and on the west coast of Ireland. Very local on the west coast of Scotland.

Similar Species: Several other species of Holothuria are known from the French Atlantic coast and could possibly turn up in southern Britain.

Key Identification Features:

• Large sea cucumber with short deposit-feeding tentacles.
• Predominantly black coloration.
• Spicules scarce, no tables.

Distribution Map from NBN: Holothuria forskali at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Holothuria forskali at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

WoRMS: Holothuria forskali at World Register of Marine Species. Accepted name: Holothuria forskali Delle Chiaje, 1824. AphiaID: 1670329.

Classification: Biota; Animalia; Echinodermata; Echinozoa; Holothuroidea; Actinopoda; Holothuriida; Holothuriidae; Holothuria