| Holothuriida | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Holothuria hilla | |
Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Echinodermata |
| Class: | Holothuroidea |
| Order: | Holothuriida Miller, Kerr, Paulay, Reich, Wilson, Carvajal & Rouse, 2017 |
| Families | |
| |
Holothuriida is anorder ofsea cucumbers.[1] Taxa within the order Holothuriida were previously classified in the order Aspidochirotida, which was determined to bepolyphyletic in 2017. Some taxa were also reclassified into the cladesSynallactida andPersiculida.[2]
Species of the order Holothuriida are distinguished from other sea cucumbers by the presence of flattened, often leaf-like tentacles, but without the other large appendages found in the related orderElasipodida. They do not have introvert or retractor muscles.[3] Thetube feet often form a clearly demarcated sole. They have 15-30 shield-shaped retractiletentacles surrounding their mouths. The body wall is thick and leathery and containsossicles, including some table-shaped ones. They have respiratory trees for gas exchange. The mesentery of the posterior loop of their gut is attached to the right ventral interradius. The muscles that run longitudinally down the body are arranged into five double bands. They can emit sticky white threads known ascuvierian tubules from theircloacas in order to distract or entanglepredators. They are usually found in exposed shallow-water environments.[4]
Their popularity as luxuryseafood in some Asian countries poses a serious threat to the order.[5]
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