Biography of the sea cucumber

Despite its name, which can be associated with the plant, sea cucumber is an animal. It belongs to the type of echinus, which also includes sea stars and sea hedgehogs. Let's take a closer look at what the sea cucumber is and how it is remarkable. Biology and anatomy of sea cucumbers can be of different sizes - from several centimeters to several meters in length.

Their body consists of a gelatinous mass, covered with a rigid shell that protects them from predators. The color of sea cucumbers can vary from light gray to dark purple, depending on the type and place of habitat. The internal structure of the sea cucumber includes: digestive system: the digestive tract consists of an mouth, anus and a long intestinal tube.

They eat, passing water through their body and filtering from it particles of food, such as plankton, microorganisms and detritus. They are also able to absorb oxygen directly from the water through the skin. Water-vascular system: like other echinoderms, sea cucumbers have a water-vascular system that is involved in motion and breathing. They lead a sedentary lifestyle, crawling along the bottom or burying into the soft ground.

Sea cucumber can move both forward and back, using their legs. Respiratory system: sea cucumbers breathe through water lungs, which are anus outgrowths. They draw water through the anus and extract oxygen from it, which is unique among marine animals. Posted by QQ Source: Pixabay. They process organic material, helping to maintain the purity and health of the seabed. They also contribute to biothorbation - the process of mixing precipitation, which contributes to aeration and enrichment of the bottom with nutrients.

The habitat of sea cucumbers mainly live on the seabed. They can be found both in shallow water and at great depths. Some types of sea cucumbers live at significant depths, up to meters or more. Many sea cucumbers live in coral reefs. These ecosystems provide an abundance of food and shelters for sea cucumbers. Especially often they are found in the warm waters of tropical and subtropical regions.

Types of sea cucumbers exist many types of sea cucumbers that differ in size, color and environment. The most famous genus include Holothuria, Stichopus and Cucumaria. Some species, such as Holothuria Edulis, are delicacies. Posted by Daqisheji Source: Pixabay. Sexual reproduction: Separately: Most of the sea cucumbers are separate, that is, there are separate male and female individuals.

Spawn: sexual reproduction begins with spawning, when sea cucumbers throw their germ cells eggs and sperm into the water. This process usually occurs synchronously in many individuals and can be caused by various external factors, such as water temperature, lunar phases or the presence of certain chemicals in water. Fertilization: fertilization in sea cucumbers external.

Sperm meets with eggs in water, forming zygotes, which then develop in larvae. Larvae pass several stages of development before becoming adults. Supreme breeding: Fragmentation: Some types of sea cucumbers are capable of asexual reproduction by fragmentation. This process includes the division of the body into several parts, each of which can regenerate a full -fledged adult. Regeneration: sea cucumbers have a high ability to regenerate, which allows them to restore lost parts of the body and even create new individuals from fragments.

The use of sea cucumbers in cooking and medicine is widely used in cooking, especially in Asian countries. Their meat is valued for high protein content and low fat content. In traditional Chinese medicine, sea cucumbers are used to treat various diseases, due to their alleged healing properties, including strengthening the immune system and improving joint health. The Japanese and their love for naval cucumbers Japan is a country known for its deep respect for nature and its gifts, especially to the gifts of the sea.

Among the many marine delicacies, sea cucumber, or “Namako” in Japanese, occupies a special place. From ancient times to the present day, sea cucumber has been used in Japanese cuisine in various forms: it is served raw, pickled, dried and even in the form of powder. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan, the annual consumption of sea cucumber is about 5 tons.

Most of this volume goes to the domestic market, where sea cucumber is in demand in restaurants and among domestic consumers. The Japanese use sea cucumber both in everyday life and on holidays, including it in a variety of dishes. Export and import are interesting to note that Japan not only consumes, but also exports a significant amount of sea cucumber. The main buyers are China and Korea, where sea cucumber is also highly appreciated.At the same time, Japan imports a sea cucumber from other countries, such as Russia and Canada, to satisfy internal demand.

The average cost of sea cucumber prices for sea cucumber can vary depending on its type, quality and degree of processing. In Japan and other Asian countries, sea cucumber is on sale both fresh and dried. The average cost of a fresh sea cucumber in Japan ranges from to yen per kilogram from about 7 to $ 14. Dried sea cucumber, which is more valuable and has a long shelf life, can cost much more - from 20 to 50 yen per kilogram from to US dollars.

In the world market, prices for dried sea cucumber can reach 3 US dollars per kilogram depending on quality. The protection of sea cucumbers, despite their important environmental role, many types of sea cucumbers are subjected to excessive catch, which leads to a decrease in their number. To protect these creatures, the introduction of measures for sustainable management and protection of marine resources is necessary.

This includes the creation of protected sea zones, fishing regulation and aquaculture development.

Author: Joakant Source: Pixabay. Some types of sea cucumbers have the ability to glow in the dark, using this to repel predators. Some species emit sticky, toxic threads that confuse and scare away predators. The water around the habitats of sea cucumbers is usually clean, as they purify it, killing bacteria. Sea cucumbers contain many beneficial substances, including vitamins of group B, A, C, E and minerals, due to which they have a positive effect on the human body.

Sea cucumber meat is used in Chinese medicine to treat cancer, as well as to strengthen immunity, improve metabolism and increase potency. In some Asian countries, naval cucumbers, known as "trepanks", are considered an exquisite and expensive delicacy. Sea cucumbers are used to produce various tablets, powders, tinctures and hoods in Chinese medicine.

The conclusion of the sea cucumber is an amazing animal with many unique features and playing an important role in marine ecosystems. His ability to regenerate, unusual methods of protection and nutrition make it the subject of interest for scientists and doctors. At the same time, the cultural and gastronomic significance of sea cucumbers emphasizes their importance for humans. The study of these creatures helps us better understand the biological processes and environmental relationships in the ocean.

Image in the preview:.