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Psolus squamatus (Koren, 1844)
White Armoured Sea Cucumber
Family: Psolidae

Photograph

© Aaron Baldwin     (Photo ID #2063)

Map

E-Fauna BC Static Map

Distribution of Psolus squamatus in British Columbia in British Columbia

Illustration

Click on the image below to view an expanded illustration for this taxon. If more than one illustration is available for a species (e.g., two subspecies may be illustrated) then links to the separate images will be provided below.



Species Information

Psolus squamatus has the typical psolid shape: a low hemisphere with a flat base. It can grow up to 13 cm long, but normally ranges between 5 and 10 cm. The dorsal scales are white and smooth, but often discoloured brown. Between the tentacles and the anus there are about 12 plates. The thin, dorsal plates overlap smoothly but some have granules along their edges. The tube feet form a conspicuous double row around the perimeter of the sole with a few scattered down the mid-line. The 10 white tentacles are approximately equal in size.

Skin ossicles: only sparse netlike perforated plates in the sole.

Similar Species

Psolus squamatus can be distinguished from the other two psolids by its colour: P. squamatus is white; P. chitonoides is red and P. bidiscum is mauve-pink.

Biology

Etymology

squamatus = scaly
Biology

P. squamatus is a typical suspension feeder. Little is known about reproduction or development in this species. It is reported to be sexually mature at a length of 30 mm.

Habitat


As with other psolids, this species usually attaches to solid rock, stones, or mollusc shells. Thus, its true abundance is difficult to determine using conventional dredging gear. However, using the Pisces submersible, I have observed numerous individuals on vertical rock walls in several coastal inlets.

Status Information

Origin StatusProvincial StatusBC List
(Red Blue List)
COSEWIC
UnlistedUnlistedUnlistedUnlisted



BC Ministry of Environment: BC Species and Ecosystems Explorer--the authoritative source for conservation information in British Columbia.

Synonyms and Alternate Names

Cavieria squamatus Koren
Psolus squamatus Lutken (1857)

Additional Range and Status Information Links

General References