Micro-habitats and Associations

Of all the echinoderms, Holothuroidea, comprising of 1200 species, occupies the largest range of habitats (Ruppert, Fox & Barnes 2004).

H. leucospilota are often found in tropical, shallow water areas.  These habitats include reef flats, shallow coastal lagoons and seagrass beds (Taquet et al. 2011).  However, populations have been shown to prefer inner reef flats, outer reef flats, as well as back reefs, with inner reef flats displaying populations of the highest abundance for this species (Conand & Mangion 2002).  H. leucospilota is predominately found with its rear end hiding under coral and rocks, and its anterior extending out onto the open sand to feed.

								Image 4. In some areas many Holothuria leucospilota can be found in high abundance, feeding in their benthic habitats near coral rubble and rocks, which provide them with protection.