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Pearsonothuria graeffei
Also known as Graeffe's Sea Cucumber, P. graeffei is the only species in its genus. As adults, they are pale brown and white, with black speckles and small thorn-like protuberances. As juveniles, however, they are brightly colored and resemble the nudibranch, Phyllidia varicosa. This adaptation helps the animal protect itself while still young.
Found in tropical parts of the Indo-Pacific Ocean, from the African east coast to the Phillipines and Indonesia. Preferred habitat are the seabed and coral reefs at depths down to about 25m.
When I first spotted this, I thought I'd found a new kind of Phyllidia nudibranch -- it did resemble P. varicosa, but the shape was rather off. It was only when I viewed the photos after the dive that I noticed its tubed feet (see the 3rd & 4th photos). This critter measured about 1.25cm long, and it was in 14m of water when I saw it. The 5th picture is just for reference -- it shows the adult Leopard Sea Cucumber.
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