November 18, 2022

Sea cucumbers are often referred to as “earthworms of the sea.” These strange-looking creatures are extremely beneficial to coral reefs. They use their tentacles to shovel sand, tiny organisms, and detritus into their mouths. Similar to earthworms, they provide “fertilizer” or food for other animals. They do so by excreting waste products such as calcium carbonate and ammonia, which provides nutrients for other animals like corals.

Photo Credit: Ken Marks