THE SEA CUCUMBERS
OF PALAWAN, PHILIPPINESA FIELD GUID E

Jean Beth S. Jontila
AuthorRoger G. Dolorosa
Editor© 2023 by Jean Beth S. Jontila.
Published by Western Philippines University, San Juan, Aborlan,
Palawan, Philippines. vprde@wpu.edu.ph; +63 9197886397
All rights reserved. No parts of this book maybe reproduced ortransmitted in any forms or by any means without the written permissionof the copyright holder. The copyright of each photograph remains to thecorresponding photographer.
Recommended Citation:
Jontila JBS. 2023.The Sea Cucumbers of Palawan, Philippines: A Field
Guide. Dolorosa RG (Ed). Western Philippines University, 92 pp.
Date Published: July 27, 2023
Cover Photo: Pearsonothuria graeffei by Roger G. Dolorosa
Design and Layout: Jean Beth S. Jontila
Proofreading: Dr. Elsa Carmen N. Montaňo
ISBN Print: 978-971-0384-43-3
ISBN Online: 978-971-0384-44-0
All photos in this book belong to the author unless otherwise indicated.

Originally, I want to dedicate this book to my parents,
the fishers, the science community,and my fellow taxpayers.
But latlely I was compelled to dedicate this to Jansen,
just for him alone...
as a settlement for everything he claims I owe him
but I have no knowledge of, andfor future similar cases.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acknowledgment
Foreword
Preface
Messages
Introduction
Sea cucumber Fishery, Conservationand Management
Glossary
External Parts
Family Caudinidae
Acaudina sp.
Family Holothuriidae
Actinopyga echinites
Actinopyga lecanora
Actinopyga mauritiana
Actinopyga palauensis
Actinopyga spinea
Actinopyga sp.
Bohadschia argus
Bohadschia marmorata
Bohadschia koellikeri
Bohadschia ocellata
Bohadschia vitiensis
Holothuria albiventer
Holothuria arenicola
Holothuria atra
Holothuria cavans
Holothuria coluber
Holothuria edulis
Holothuria flavomaculata
Holothuria fuscocinerea
Holothuria fuscogilva
Holothuria fuscopunctata
Holothuria gracilis
Holothuria hilla
Holothuria impatiens
Holothuria leucospilota
Holothuria lineata
Holothuria notabilis

ii

v
vi
vii
viii
1
3
4
6
8
9
10
11
12
14
15
16
17
18
19
22
23
24
26
27
28
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42

Holothuria pardalis
Holothuria pervicax
Holothuria scabra
Holothuria sp.
Holothuria whitmaei
Pearsonothuria graeffei
Family Stichopodidae
Stichopus chloronotus
Stichopus herrmanni
Stichopus horrens
Stichopus monotuberculatus
Stichopus noctivagus
Stichopus ocellatus
Stichopus quadrifasciatus
Stichopus rubermacolosus
Stichopus sp.
Stichopus vastus
Thelenota ananas
Thelenota anax
Thelenota rubralineata
Family Synaptidae
Euapta godeffroyi
Synapta maculata
Synapta sp.
References
About the Author

43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
54
56
57
58
59
61
62
64
66
67
68
69
69
69
70
73

iii

Holothuria coluber
iv

ACKNOWLEDGMENT
My interest on sea cucumbers started in 2007 when Dr. Sabine
Schoppe assigned me to work on it for our seminar class. She evenhanded me her precious collection of manuscripts on sea cucumbers when
I was working on my Dissertation. I am beyond grateful Ma’am Sabine.
I am very much thankful as well to my other mentors - Dr. Lota A.
Creencia, Dr. Roger G. Dolorosa, and Dr. Harol M. Monteclaro - for theiradmirable teachings and work ethics that I truly admire. To Dr. Herminie P.
Palla, Dr. Allaine T. Baaco, Dr. Julie Hope Timotea P. Evina, and our OIC
President Atty./Dr. Joselito C. Alisuag, for their unfailing support to our
research endeavors.

To Dr. Marie Antonette Juinio-Meñez, for her untiring support anddedication, and for sharing the opportunities that expanded our work on
sea cucumbers. To Dr. Maria Byrne for her valuable input. Thank you somuch Ma’am Annete and Dr. Byrne.
My heartfelt thanks also goes to the Department of Science andTechnology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) Accelerated Scienceand Technology Human Resource Development (ASTHRDP), theUniversity of the Philippines in the Visayas (UPV), the management of Dos
Palmas Island Resort and Spa, to Ms. Glesselle Batin, Mr. John Sornito,
Mr. Lucio Ardines, Mr. Mark Anthony Bernardo, the fisherfolks in various
municipalities; to Mr. Jovan A. Gimarangan for polishing the photos; to Mr.
Niño Jess Mar F. Mecha for the map; to those who have helped me inmany ways during field works– Joylibeth, Joyce Mae, Eunice, Emalyn, andMary Jane; and to my family, for being there always.
Lastly, I am very much grateful to NAGAO Natural Environment
Foundation (NEF) for the financial assitance in publication anddissimination of this field guide. I owe this to all of you. May the Almighty
bless you even more.

Jean Beth S. JontilavRepublic of the Philippines
University of the Philippines
Marine Science InstituteDiliman, Quezon City, Philippines

FOREWORD
The very high diversity of sea
cucumbers in Palawan is a valuable national
asset. Sea cucumbers are important inmaintaining
theproductivityofmarineecosystems through nutrient cycling andoxygenation of sediment. The sea cucumber
fishery is a major source of livelihood of coastal
communities. Its dried body wall (trepang) is ahigh value seafood commodity and tradersconsider the trepang from Palawan among thebest in the Philippines. Aside from its value as afishery product, the discovery and use of
bioactive compounds from different sea cucumber species (e.g. nutraceuticaland pharmaceutical products) are of global interest.
This field guide is an essential reference for marine conservation andresource managers, researchers, students and the general public. Identificationof the different species is a gateway to a better understanding of the importanceof these species and the value of the ecosystems where they are found.
Information on the relative economic value, conservation status and distribution
in Palawan are also included.
Some of the species documented in this field guide have not beenreported from other parts of the country, and others are potentially new species.
It is likely that there are other species yet to be discovered from the nearshore
and offshore areas around Palawan. This further highlights the rich marine
biodiversity resource of Palawan and the need for concerted species
conservation and fishery management efforts.
The perseverance of Dr. Jean Beth S. Jontila to make this body ofknowledge on the sea cucumbers of Palawan accessible is truly commendable.

Marie Antonette Juinio-Meñez, PhD

Professor
University of the Philippines Marine Science InstituteAcademician, National Academy of Science and Technology PH
viRepublic of the Philippines
Western Philippines University
College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
Puerto Princesa City, Philippines

PREFACEAs early as 1990’s, there have been
efforts to manage the sea cucumber fishery in the
country. However, program implementation andenforcement are constantly challenging ourresource managers as harvesting of sea
cucumbers remained open and unregulated. Mostof our Local Government Units (LGUs) were notaware of the economic and ecological value of sea
cucumbers. Enforcement of pertinent regulations islikewise not apparent at the local level.
Acknowledging the need to conserve andmanage the sea cucumber fishery in the province, our group conducted anassessment and species inventory in 2012 as part of the nation-wide project led
by Dr. Marie Antonette Juinio-Meñez. I continued working on sea cucumbers
and documented every species that I encountered. Some of which were first to
be reported in the country while others are yet to be identified as they were notseen in available references. Our province is indeed endowed with richresources that are not yet known to many.
This field guide is envisioned to provide our policy makers, researchers,
and resource users a handy reference for sea cucumbers of commercial value
including those that are not exploited. It presents the photos I have gathered
over the years including those of my colleagues. This field guide also provides
the local names of species, their distribution, economic value, and conservation
status. I believe that raising the awareness of our locals could lead to greater
compliance with existing regulations.
I hope this humble work advances our efforts towards appreciating,conservation, and sustainable utilization of sea cucumbers in Palawan,
Philippines.

Jean Beth S. Jontila, PhD
AuthorWestern Philippines University
Puerto Princesa City, Philippinesvii

Republic of the Philippines
Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office
Puerto Princesa City, Philippines

MESSAGE
The province of Palawan is one of themost attractive regions of the country, and isdubbed as the Philippines’ “last ecologicalfrontier.”
The Department of Environment andNatural Resources - Provincial Environment
and Natural Resources Office (DENR-PENRO)
recognizes the significant role of the academein conducting research as basis in the formulation of environmental policy,
rules, and regulations to include the implementation of biodiversity-friendly
livelihood enterprise development, which contributes in achieving the
Department's objectives of increasing productivity and enhancing thecontribution of natural resources to achieve national economic and social
development and conserving specific marine areas.
This guidebook is another remarkable contribution to the Fisheries
Management of Palawan. We are pleased that the Western Philippines
University is extending so much effort to the sea cucumber fishery,
conservation, and management. The information it provides aids inunderstanding the classification, key features population status, and socioeconomic importance of sea cucumbers that are useful for policymakers andconcerned agencies to constitute plans and management strategies. Let us
enjoin all users of this book to collectively work towards sustainable
management of this resource throughout the province.

FELIZARDO B. CAYATOCPENR Officer
DENR-PENRO Palawan, Philippines

viii

MESSAGE
As we move towards an era ofsustainably managed fisheries that aims toprovide economic stability anda climateresilient community, it is in a great necessity
to support
studiesthat showcase theecological significance of different marine life
in our country.

One of the prominent problems inpromoting sustainable fishery lies in theamount of conducted study on the status, biology and ecology of fisheryspecies. This is vital in order to formulate suitable and sound poiices orregulations to avoid overexploitation and wild stock depletion. As the only
identified sea cucumber hotspot in Asia and Palawan being one of its
major producers, the Bureauof Fisheries and Aquatic Resources MIMAROPA back ups on the quest of its conservation and protection
through a holistic scientific approach and transparent governance.
Ibelievethat
this remarkable
book features notable
information on the diversity of sea cucumber in the Province of Palawan.
It sheds light on the current status of their fishery and the challenges thatneed to be addressed to ensure their conservation and sustainable use.
I wish to express my gratitude to the author of this book forher exceptional efforts and contributions to science, crucial for our country's
fisheries sustainability.

EMMANUEL H. ASIS, DFT, CESE
Director II
BFAR-MIMAROPA, Philippinesix

Republic of the Philippines
Western Philippines University
Aborlan, Palawan, Philippines

MESSAGE
I would like to congratulate first theauthor for coming up with this field guide,
which is the first to showcase the sea
cucumbers of Palawan, Philippines.
In line with the Western Philippines
University’s vision as a leading knowledge
center for sustainable development in West
Philippines and beyond, this scholarly work is
a timely contribution to the pool of informationneeded to craft appropriate management
measures for one of the most valuable, yet barely manage resources of thecountry-the sea cucumbers. The dried sea cucumbers called trepang orbêche-de-mer belongs to the top 10 marine product export commodities of
the country in terms of value and around 20% of its production comes from
Palawan. Sea cucumber fishery also supports the livelihood of many
marginal fishers, who rely on the bounty of the ocean for living. However,there remains a big challenge in terms of managing this resource asgathering remains open and unregulated. Even the threatened ones arecollected and traded. With this field guide, we hope that management
initiatives could advance towards conservation and sustainable utilization ofsea cucumbers in Palawan and beyond.
Again, my congratulations to Dr. Jean Beth S. Jontila for hercommendable work!

ATTY. JOSELITO C. ALISUAG, PhD, CSEEOIC President
Western Philippines UniversityxRepublic of the Philippines
Palawan Council for Sustainable Development
Puerto Princesa City, Philippines

MESSAGE
In behalf of the Palawan Council for
Sustainable Development Staff (PCSDS), it
is an opportunity to congratulate the author
and the College of Fisheries and Aquatic
Sciences of the Western Philippines
University-Puerto Princesa Campus for the
publication of the former’s work, “The Sea
Cucumbers of Palawan, Philippines: A Field
Guide”In the light of our mandates underRepublic Act 7611 otherwise known as the Strategic Environmental Plan
(SEP) for Palawan Act and the provisions of Republic Act No. 9147
designating the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) as
the implementing agency of the Wildlife Resources Conservation andProtection Act in the Province of Palawan, we are pleased to note that thisbook is in line with our research thrust on Economically Important Species(EIS) and Threatened Species Population studies. It provides information
and additional species-specific data that we need at PCSDS to address theissues on commonly-harvested species in the province. This book is aworthy contribution to the efforts on wildlife conservation and management
particularly on the long-term conservation and sustainability of sea
cucumber fishery in Palawan, Philippines.
Again, congratulations for this commendable initiative.

NIÑO REY C. ESTOYA, MNSA, CESE
Acting Executive Director
Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff
Puerto Princesa City, Philippines

xi

MESSAGE

Congratulations to this very much needed
and awaited field guide on sea cucumbers.
Sea cucumbers play a crucial ecologicalrole. They feed on minute particles from either the
ground or the water column. This reduces the organic load and converts it into
nutrients, hence contributing to the productivity of the marine ecosystem. Some
species of sea cucumbers also help buffering sea waters thus easing
calcification of corals. At the same time, many species of sea cucumbers areamong the most commercially exploited aquatic species in Southeast Asia,
providing income to millions of people. In the Philippines, commercial exploitationof sea cucumbers that are processed into a dried form internationally known as
trepang or bêche-de-mer dates to the late 18th century. Yet the increasing
demand for over 40 years has led to overfishing of wild stocks calling forconservation measures such as size limits, aquaculture, and marine sanctuaries.

This field guide provides the needed information to identify the different
kinds of sea cucumbers commonly seen in Palawan. This knowledge is needed
for management and conservation.
I stand with Jane Goodall who said “Only if we understand, can we care.
Only if we care, we will help. Only if we help, we shall be saved”.

Sabine Schoppe, PhD
Director
Palawan Pangolin Conservation Program
Palawan Freshwater Turtle Conservation Program
Palawan, Philippines

xii

MESSAGE

species and their key features.

This beautiful book on the sea
cucumbers of Palawan is a very importantresource for educators, researchers, andmanagers. It will be of great assistance in
identification of species in the field and has very
useful information on the local distribution of theThis work is especially important for the fisheries and conservation of
the commercial species processed into trepang or bêche-de-mer. Many of thecommercial species are of conservation concern and the book provides
information on their IUCN and CITES status. This is crucial to createawareness in the community to protect these valuable resources.

I commend the author for producing this very timely field guide.

Maria Byrne, PhD

Professor of Marine Biology
The University of Sydney
Sydney, AustraliaxiiiStichopus horrens
xivINTRODUCTION
Sea cucumbers are marine invertebrates that belong toPhylum Echinodermata, Class Holothuroidea (Conand 1998).
They come in various form but generally they have elongatedbody, pentamerous symmetry with water vascular system. The
mouth at the anterior is surrounded by tentacles that aid in
feeding while the anus at the opposite end of the body is left
exposed when burried in sand. Generally, sea cucumbers arebenthic with few being pelagic (Miller and Pawson 1990). They
mostly abound in seagrass beds and coral reefs while some dwell
in mangroves and rocky shores.
Regarded as the earthworms of the sea, sea cucumbers
play vital roles in nutrient recycling and benthic productivity(Purcell et al. 2016; Mercier et al. 1999; Wolkenhauer et al. 2010)
including pH regulation. However, they are known more for theireconomic value such as food (Akamine 2005; Purcell et al. 2018)
and pharmaceutical products (Bordbar et al. 2011). Their bodywall is processed into what popularly known as trepang or bêche
-de-mer, and hai som or hai sam (Akamine 2005). It is for theirdried body wall that most of the tropic species in the wild are
harvested.
Across the globe, there are about 70 commercially
important sea cucumbers (Purcell et al. 2012) and at least 36
species are regularly harvested in Palawan, Philippines (Dolorosaet al. 2017; Jontila et al. 2018a; Ardines et al. 2020). The tradedspeciesbelongtoorder
Holothuriida,
Synallactida,
Dendrochirotida and Molpadida (Purcell et al. 2023; Simone et al.
2023). Among the high-valued species that are usually collected
are Holothuria scabra, H. fuscogilva, and Stichopus species.
Apparently, these are also the species listed in Convention on
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna andFlora (CITES) Appendix II and International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.

This field guide presents 50 species of sea cucumbers in
Palawan, which belongs to Family Caudinidae, Holothuriidae,
Stichopodidae, and Synaptidae under Order Molpadida,
Holothuriida, Synallactida (Purcel et al. 2023) and Apodida. It also
includes those species that are not exploited. Some species like
Bohadschia koellikeri, Euapta godoffroyi and Synaptula sp. were
documented only by Dr. Roger G. Dolorosa, who was generous
enough to share his amazing photos. Additionally, a number of
species here such as Holothuria cavans, H. flavomaculata,
Stichopus rubermacolosus and S. quadrifasciatus were not yetreported in other parts of the country. This field guide further
highlights the distinguishing features of each species including
their local names, IUCN status (IUCN 2023) and CITES listing(Simone et al. 2023), as well as information on their habitat,
economic value, and areas around Palawan where they were
documented. The maximum sizes were based on Purcel et al. 2023
while the common sizes were observed and recorded by the author
in Palawan, unless otherwise indicated. It has to be noted that the
distribution of the species presented here are limited only to thefindings of the author and the published studies in the province(Dolorosa & Jontila 2012; Jontila et al. 2014; Dolorosa 2015;
Ardines et al. 2018; Caabay 2018; Jontila et al. 2017; Balisco et al.
2020. Given that many areas were not explored yet, the distribution
could be much wider than presented here.
Overall, this field guide aims to provide a handy reference
for researchers, resource users, traders, and policy makers. May
this serve as catalyst for concerned agencies to manage the sea
cucumber fishery for sustained economic and ecological benefits.

Jean Beth S. Jontila
Author2

SEA CUCUMBER FISHERY, CONSERVATION, AND
MANAGEMENT
Sea cucumbers are among the regularly harvested marine
resources in Palawan, Philippines. Its fishery supports the livelihoodof many small-scale and marginal fishers. Sea cucumbers are mainly
gathered for export of trepang or its dried form, which ranked 10thas marine product export commodity of the country in terms of value.
Over the years, trepang’s price has steadily increase both in local
and international markets. Currently, the price range from PhP
800.00-7,000.00 kg-1 depending on species, size, and quality. In
2016, Holothuria scabra and H. fuscogilva are sold in international
market as much as USD 251 kg-1 and 219 kg-1, respectively (Purcell
et al. 2018). Such fueled massive harvesting of sea cucumbers,
which led to population decline and local depletion of commercially
important species in nearshore areas (Dolorosa et al. 2017) and
exploitation of new sites (Jontila et al. 2018a). The number of
exploited species also increased from 25 in late 1990’s (Schoppe
2000) to 37 species in 2018 (Jontila et al. 2018b). In fact, the country
was reported as sea cucumber hotspot in Souteast Asia (Choo2008).
Acknowledging the need to regulate the harvesting, theBureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources issued an Administrative
Circular 248 in 2013 (DA-BFAR 2013), which imposed sized limit
and permit system and likewise listed the threatened species.
Similarly, the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff(PCSDS) banned the gathering of threatened species as per PCSD
Resolution No. 15-521. However, enforcement of these regulations
has to be strenghtened. Additionally, there are initiatives onhatchery production of valuable species like H. scabra and H.
fuscogilva for culture, sea ranching, and stock enhancement.

3

P AL AW AN , P H I L I P P I N E S
Man and Biosphere Reserve

Palawan is an island located in the Southwest of the country with 23
municipalities. In recognition of its outstanding biodiversity, pristine ecosystems, and rich culture, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO) declared the province as a Man and Biosphere Reserve in 1991. The province also harbors two World Heritage Sites– The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (PPSRNP) and the Tubbataha
Reefs Natural Park (TRNP). Likewise, it is a major producer of wild-caught fish
and also supplies around 20% of country’s trepang production (Brown et al.
2010).

4

GLOSSARY
Anal teeth: radial extremely calcified papillae encircling the anus,
appearing tooth-like.
Bêche-de-mer: widely used term for the processed product of sea
cucumbers (see also trepang).
Blotch: patch of uneven and prominent coloration in the body.

Cuvierian tubules: threads becoming sticky when ejected out of theanus and used as a defence mechanism.
Dorsal: upper surface of the animal.
Low economic value: dried product costs below PhP1,000.00 kg .-1
Medium economic value: dried product costs between PhP1,001.00
and PhP 3,000.00 kg.-1.
High economic value: dried product costs more than PhP3,001.00 kg.-1.

Papillae: conical lumps or small fleshy extensions on the surface of the
body wall.
Podia: or feet, which are tiny tubes filled with water having calcareous
end used for locomotion.
Teats: large papillae at the border of the ventral surface of the animal.
Tegument: the outer tissues of the animal, including the cuticle andepidermis.

Tentacles: buccal podia extended from the mouth for feeding.
Tranverse: across the body, perpendicular to the main axis of the body.
Trepang: Malaysian name for sea cucumber, also refers to dried body ofsea cucumbers.
Ventral: on the bottom, or under surface of the animal.

5

EXTERNAL PARTS OF SEA CUCUMBER

Tentacles

Mouth

Holothuria leucospilota

BlotchAnus
Anal teeth
Actinopyga lecanora
6Papillae

Holothuria coluber

Papillae
Tube feet/
podia
Stichopus horrens

Stichopus horrens

Cuvierian tubules

Anus

Bohadschia argus
Bohadschia argus

7Order Molpadida
Family Caudinidae•

The tegument is soft, with discoloration and the ventral side
is almost transparent.

•

Species uder this family are commonly found in muddy to
sandy areas.

•

Harvested but not processed into trepang and eaten instead
raw or pickled by the locals.

8

Family Caudinidae

15 cm

Acaudina sp.
Common Name:
Local Name:
IUCN Status:
Economic Value:

Smooth sea cucumber
Unknown
Not Listed
Low

Key Features:
•
•

•
•
•

•
•

The body is cylindrical andorange-brownish in color.
The tegument is thin andsmooth all over.
It is found in the muddy
substrates of mangroves.
Consumed fresh or pickled
Sold fresh in local markets at
PhP 20.00/pack.
Maximum size: 25 cm
Common size: 15 cm

9Order Holothuriida
Family Holothuriidae

peltatetentacles
Cuvierian tubules

•
•
•
•
•

10

The shape is usually slender and elongated.
The body wall is thick and muscular.
With 10-30 peltate tentacles.
Some have Cuvierian tubules.
Widely distributed in shallow seagrass beds,
reeflats and coral reefs.

Anal teeth

Family Holothuriidae

Size: 12 cm

Actinopyga echinites (Jaeger, 1833)
Common Name:
Local Name:
IUCN status:
Economic Value:

Deep-water redfish
Khaki
Vulnerable
MediumKey Features:
•
•

•

•
•
•

The color varies from beige tolight or dark brown, darker on
dorsal surface.
The body is moderately
elongated with fine papillae
extended when at a naturalstate.
When disturbed, the bodyarched, papillae retract, andbecome wrinkled.
It is found in shallow seagrassbeds.
Maximum size: 35 cm
Common size: 15 cm

11Family Holothuriidae

Inset: color variantsSize: 12 cm

Actinopyga lecanora (Jaeger, 1835)
Common Name:
Local Name:
IUCN Status:
Economic Value:

Stone fish
Munang, Monang, Buli, Buli-buli
Data DeficientMediumKey Features:
•
•
•
•
•
•

12

The color ranges from beige tobrown or orange-brown with lighter
spots scattered on the dorsal.
The long slender papillae arescattered at dorsal and only visible
when the specimen is relaxed.
With white coloration around its
anus that has five prominent anal
teeth.
Found in shallow seagrass beds
and coral reefs.
Maximum size: 24 cm
Common size: 15 cm

Photo: RG Dolorosa

Variants of Actinopyga lecanora

Photo: RG Dolorosa

13

Family Holothuriidae

DorsalVentral

15 cm

Actinopyga mauritiana (Quoy and Gaimard, 1833)
Common Name:
Local Name:
IUCN Status:
Economic Value:

Surf redfish
Unknown
VulnerableHigh

Key Features:
•
•
•
•
•
•

14

The color of the dorsum isdark brown, sprinkled withwhite spots.
The ventral is light brownin color.
The long slender papillae
protrude when in a relax
state.
It is found in seagrass beds
with coral-rubble
substrates.
Maximum size: 35 cm
Common size: 17 cm

Family Holothuriidae

Photo: RG DolorosaActinopyga palauensis (Panning, 1944)
Common Name:
Local Name:
IUCN Status:
Economic Value:

Deep water blackfish, Panning’s blackfish
Bakungan
Least Concern
High

Key Features:
•

•
•
•
•

The body is brownish-blackin color, subcylindrical inshape, and slightly flattened
ventrally.
The upper part of the dorsal
is usually covered by sand(Purcell et al. 2012).
Common in coral reefs.
Maximum size: 40 cm
Common size: 27 cm

15

Family Holothuriidae

Size: 9 cm

Actinopyga spinea (Cherbonnier, 1980)
Common Name:
Local Name:
IUCN Status:
Economic Value:

Burying black fish
Unknown
Least Concern
MediumKey Features:
•
•
•
•
•
•

16

The color is dark brown and thesurface is slimy.
The papillae are long andslender that protrude when in arelax state.
The specimen here measured
only 9 cm and is suspected to
be a sub-adult.
It is found in seagrass beds withcoral-rubble substrates.
Maximum size: 38 cm
Common size: 20 cm

Family Holothuriidae

14 cm
Photo: Jontila et al. 2014

Actinopyga sp.
Common Name:
Local Name:
IUCN Status:
Economic Value:

Unknown
MunangNot Listed
MediumKey Features:
•

•
•
•

The dorsal is black with darkbrown patches. Anal teeth
are present thus identified as
Actinopyga sp.
It is found in shallow coral
reefs.
Maximum size: unknown
Common size: 15 cm

17Family Holothuriidae

Est. size 27 cm
Photo: RG Dolorosa

Bohadschia argus(Massin, Rasolofonirina, Conand andSamyn, 1999)

Common Name:
Local Name:
IUCN Status:
Economic Value:

Leopard fish
Matang-itik
Least Concern
MediumKey Features:
•
•

•
•
•
•
•
18

The color is generally grey withtint of light brown or beige.
The dorsal portion has large,
almost round yellowish spots
surrounded with black dots atthe center.
The body is cylindrical,
moderately long (up to 60 cm).
It ejects Cuvierian tubules when
disturbed or stressed.
Taken from shallow coral reef
at 3-5 m deep.
Maximum size: 60 cm
Common size: 30 cm

Family Holothuriidae

Bohadschia marmorata (Jaeger, 1833)
Common Name:
Local Name:
IUCN Status:
Economic Value:

Brown-spotted sandfish
Lawayan, tagukan, hangad-langit
Data DeficientLow

Key Features:
•

•
•

•
•

The dorsal is generally lightbrown or orange brown incolor with dark brown spots
and blotches. There is also ayellow variant with brown
blotches (inset photo).
With numerous, long slender
papillae.
It inhabits shallow seagrassbeds.
Maximum size: 26 cm
Common size: 15 cm

19Common variant of Bohadschia marmorata.
20

Juveniles of Bohadschia marmorata measuring ~ 6 cm.
21

Family Holothuriidae

Photo: RG Dolorosa

Bohadschia koellikeri (Semper, 1868)
Common Name:
Local Name:
IUCN Status:
Economic Value:

Mottled sea cucumber
TagukanData DeficientMediumKey Features:
•

•
•
•
•

22

Generally light brown or creamy
tan in color with brown blotches
less defined than Bohadschia
marmorata and do not cross the
body as in the case of B.
vitiensis.
The body is smooth and archdorsally but falttened ventrally.
Easily ejects Cuvierian tubules.
Maximum size: 32 cm
Common size: 18 cm(Dolorosa 2015)

Family Holothuriidae

33 cm
Photo: Jontila et al. 2014

Bohadschia ocellata (Jaeger, 1833)
Common Name:
Local Name:
IUCN Status:
Economic Value:

Polka-dotted sea cucumber
Matang-itik
No assessment yet
MediumKey Features:
•
•

•
•
•

The dorsal is dark brown withwhite to brownish streaks.
The body is a bit cylindricaland moderately long.
It is collected by divers inshallow coral reefs.
Maximum size: 50 cm
Common size: 30 cm

23

Family Holothuriidae

27 cm

Bohadschia vitiensis (Semper, 1868)
Common Name:
Local Name:
IUCN Status:
Economic Value:

Brown sandfish
Lawayan-taba, legs-legsData DeficientMediumKey Features:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

24

The color varies from beige toorange-brown with numerous
small brown spots.
The body is generally stout.
The mouth is ventral with anus
always dorsal.
It often burries in the sedimentand comes out as tide ebbs.
It inhabits shallow seagrassbeds and shallow coral reefs
with sandy substrates.
Maximum size: 40 cm
Common size: 30 cm

Anus

Photo: RG Dolorosa

Variants of Bohadschia vitiensis.
25

Family Holothuriidae

Dorsal14 cm
Photo: Jontila et al. 2014

Holothuria albiventer (Semper, 1868)
Common Name:
Local Name:
IUCN Status:
Economic Value:

Beige sea cucumber
Mani-mani
Data DeficientLow

Key Features:

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

26

The color is beige to light brown.
The body is slender and elongated.
Its dorsal has dark brown patchesarranged in two rows along thebody.
The ventral portion has whitespots that appeared to be as podia(photo).
It is found in shallow seagrassbeds.
Maximum size: 14 cm
Common size: 10 cm

VentralFamily Holothuriidae

16 cm

Holothuria arenicola (Semper, 1868)
Common Name:
Local Name:
IUCN Status:
Economic Value:

Sand sea cucumber
BatunanData Deficient
Low, consumed fresh, not processed

Key Features:
•
•
•
•
•
•

The color varies from beige toorange-brown.
The shape is elongated withsmall brown dots scatteredaround the body.
Always burry and comes out
during low tide at night.
It is found in shallow, sandyseagrass beds.
Maximum size: 30 cm
Common size: 10 cm (Purcell
et al. 2023)

27

Family Holothuriidae

Scale: 1 cm
Size: 13 cm

Holothuria atra (Jaeger, 1833)
Common Name:
Local Name:
IUCN Status:
Economic Value:

Lollyfish
Black beauty
Least Concern
Low

Key Features:
•

•
•

•
•
•
28

It is uniformly black in color but
appears to be always covered
with fine sand, except for large
specimen (right photo)
The body is elongated, slimy andemits red coloration whenrubbed.
The tentacles are black in color(inset).
It is found in seagrass beds,
corals reefs and reef flats .
Maximum size: 100 cm(Dolorosa 2015)
Common size: 20 cm

Sand-free Holothuria atra in Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park measuring
about 100 cm.

Photo: RG Dolorosa

29

Family Holothuriidae

DorsalVentral
13 cm
Photo: Jontila et al. 2014

Holothuria cavans (Massin & Tomascik, 1996)
Common Name:
Local Name:
IUCN Status:
Economic Value:

Unknown
Unknown
Data Deficient
Unknown

Key Features:
•
•
•
•
•

30

The entire body is black incolor and slimy.
The papillae around the body
appeared as small dots whentaken out of the water.
It is found in shallow
seagrass beds.
Maximum size: Unknown
Common size: 13 cm

Family Holothuriidae

Est size: 30 cm

VentralHolothuria coluber (Semper, 1868)
Common Name:
Local Name:
IUCN Status:
Economic Value:

Snakefish
Tambor, Patola white, Black powder
Least Concern
Low

Key Features:
•
•
•
•

•
•
•

The color range from dark grey toblack.
The dorsal has numerous yellowtipped papillae.
The ventral has distinct white toyellowish podia (inset photo).
Usually hide in crevices and is hardto pull out.
Inhabit shallow coral reefs and reef
flats.
Maximum size: 60 cm
Common size: 35 cm

31

Family Holothuriidae

Photo: RG Dolorosa

Holothuria edulis (Lesson, 1830)
Common Name:
Local Name:
IUCN status:
Economic Value:

Pink fish
Red beauty, Hotdog, Lipstikan
Least concern
Low

Key Features:
•
•
•
•
•

32

The dorsal is uniformly black incolor while the ventral is pink.
The body is subcylindrical andslightly flattened ventrally.
It is found in shallow coral
reefs with hard and sandy
substrates.
Maximum size: 38 cm
Common size: 18 cm

Family Holothuriidae

Holothuria flavomaculata (Jaeger, 1833)
Common Name:
Local Name:
IUCN Status:
Economic Value:

Red snakefish
Unknown
Least Concern
Low

Key Features:
•
•

•
•
•

The body is reddish or
brownish-red in color.
It has prominent yellow
papillae arranged in rows
along the dorsal part ofthe body.
It is collected in shallow
coral reef areas.
Maximum size: 60 cm*
Common size: 35 cm*Jontila unpub.

33

Family Holothuriidae

Holothuria fuscocinerea (Jaeger, 1833)
Common Name:
Local Name:
IUCN Status:
Economic Value:

Unknown
LabuyoLeast Concern
Low

Key Features:
•

•
•

•
•
•

34

The color is generally orangebrown to brown on the dorsal
and becoming light in theventral.
It easily ejects Cuvierian tubules
when disturbed.
Always bury in the sand andcomes out only during low tide.
Inhabits shallow seagrass beds.
Maximum size: 30 cm
Common size: 20 cm

Family Holothuriidae

Est. Size: 40 cm

Photo: RG Dolorosa

Holothuria fuscogilva (Cherbonnier, 1980)
Common Name:
Local Name:CITES:IUCN Status:
Economic Value:

White teatfish
SusuanAppendix II
VulnerableHigh

Key Features:
•
•
•
•

•
•

The dorsal is almost blackin color with white patches.
The body is robust, stout,
and is strongly flattened
ventrally.
The teats protrude on thesides.
Found in sandy patches ofcoral reefs.
Maximum size: 57 cm
Common size: 28 cm

35

Family Holothuriidae

34 cm

Holothuria fuscopunctata (Jaeger, 1833)
Common Name:
Local Name:
IUCN Status:
Economic Value:

Elephant trunkfish
Sapatos
Least Concern
MediumKey Features:
•

•
•

•
•
•

36

The dorsal has brown spots
with rustic to orange-brown incolor, fading and becoming
white towards the ventral part.
The dorsal part is alsocharacterized by deep wrinkles
with dark brown coloration.
The body is thick and strongly
flattened ventrally.
Collected in coral reefs.
Maximum size: 70 cm
Common size: 40 cm

Family Holothuriidae

17 cm
Photo: Jontila et al. 2017

Holothuria gracilis (Semper, 1868)
Common Name:
Local Name:
IUCN Status:
Economic Value:

Unknown
Unknown
Data DeficientLow

Key Features:
•
•

•

•
•
•
•

The dorsal color varies fromgrey to orange-brown.
The ventral is consistently lightsomewhat whitish in color.
With yellow-orange papillae
surrounding the moderately
sized-body that is arched
ventrally.
Easily ejects Cuvierian tubules
when slightly disturbed.
Collected in coral reef areas.
Maximum size: Unknown
Common size: 18 cm

37

Family Holothuriidae

14 cm

Photo: Jontila et al. 2014

Holothuria hilla (Lesson,1830)
Common Name:
Local Name:
IUCN Status:
Economic Value:

Tiger-tail sea cucumber
Mani-mani, Bat-tuli
Least Concern
Not commercially exploited

Key Features:
•
•
•

•
•
•
38

The color is generally orange
to orange-brown dotted withlarge light yellow papillae.
The ventral portion is lighterin color with visible whitish toyellowish podia.
The body is elongated thougharched ventrally when
disturbed.
Collected in shallow coral
reefs and reef flats.
Maximum size: 25 cm
Common size: 15 cm

Family Holothuriidae

16 cm

Holothuria impatiens (Forskål, 1775)
Common Name:
Local Name:
IUCN Status:
Economic Value:

Impatient sea cucumber
SunlotData DeficientLow

Key Features:
•
•

•
•
•
•
•

The color is brown withtransverse bands of darker,
almost black along the body.
Some have transverse bands
that become spots arranged in
two rows towards posterior end(Purcell et al. 2012).
The body is elongated.
Nocturnal
Sighted in segrass beds.
Maximum size: 26 cm
Common size: 15 cm

39

Family Holothuriidae

Est. size: 26 cm

Holothuria leucospilota (Brandt, 1835)
Common Name:
Local Name:
IUCN Status:
Economic Value:

White threadfish
PatolaLeast Concern
Low

Key Features:
•
•

•
•
•
•

40

The color is entirely black.
The body is elongated andmoderately long with length
ranging from 25-40 cm, andsometimes covered with fine sand.
The dorsal is covered withrelatively long, distinct papillae.
Sighted in reef flats, seagrassbeds and in mangrove areas withsandy substrate.
Maximum size: 50 cm
Common size: 30 cm

Family Holothuriidae

12 cm

Photo: Jontila et al. 2014

Holothuria lineata (Ludwig, 1875)
Common Name:
Local Name:
IUCN Status:
Economic Value:

Unknown
Unknown
Data Deficient
Not commercially exploited

Key Features:
•

•

•
•

The dorsal is cream in color
with light brown longitudinalband arranged in three rows,
with series of dark brown dots
arranged in two lines.
The body is elongated andtapers towards the mouth.
Collected in sandy seagrassbeds.
Maximum size: 12 cm*
Common size: 6 cm

*Jontila unpub.

41

Family Holothuriidae

Anus

8 cm

Holothuria notabilis (Ludwig, 1875)
Common Name:
Local Name:
IUCN Status:
Economic Value:

Unknown
Unknown
Data Deficient
Not commercially exploited

Key Features:
•
•

•

•
•
•

42

The tegument is brown to
black in color with whitish dots.
The shape is cylindrical andtapered at the anus.
The dorsal has long andslender papillae while theventral has numerous longyellow to green podia.
Recorded in seagrass beds.
Maximum size: 32 cm
Common size: 8 cm

Family Holothuriidae

18 cm

Photo: Jontila et al. 2014

Holothuria pardalis (Selenka, 1867)
Common Name:
Local Name:
IUCN Status:
Economic Value:

Unknown
Unknown
Least Concern
Low

Key Features:
•

•
•
•
•

The body color is beige tolight yellowish, with tworows of dark spots and numerous tiny dark spots.
Papillae are short, darkbrown, and conical inshape.
Found in reef flats andshallow coral reefs.
Maximum size: 25 cm
Common size: 10 cm

43

Family Holothuriidae

18 cm

Photo: Jontila et al. 2014

Holothuria pervicax (Selenka, 1867)
Common Name:
Local Name:
IUCN Status:
Economic Value:

Unknown
Unknown
Least Concern
Low

Key Features:
•
•
•

•
•
•

44

The body color is cream with
distinct four greenish-brown
blotchy bands across.
The dorsal is somewhat
sprinkled with white-tipped
papillae.
The ventral part is whitish incolor with numerous, large
podia. Also reported to have agrey to brown body coloration(Purcell et al. 2012).
Found in coral reefs.
Maximun size: 35 cm
Common size: 18 cm

Family Holothuriidae
Inset: black variant

Holothuria scabra (Jaeger, 1833)
Common Name:
Local Name:
IUCN Status:
Economic Value:

Sand fish
Curtido, Kiskisan, PutianEndangered
High

Key Features:
•
•

•
•
•
•
•

The color varies from grey tolight brown to black.
The body is oval, arched dorsally and moderately flattened.
The dorsal has greyish-blacktransverse lines.
The ventral is white or light greywith fine, dark spots.
Common in seagrass beds andinner reef flats.
Maximum size: 40 cm
Common size: 18 cm

45

Family Holothuriidae

Family Holothuriidae

15 cm

Holothuria sp.
Common Name:
Local Name:
IUCN Status:
Economic Value:

Unknown
Unknown
Not Listed
Low, consumed fresh

Key Features:
•
•

•
•
•
•

46

The body is entirely dark brownin color, thin and elongated.
The tegument is soft and slimy
all over.
Eaten raw or prepared as“kinilaw” or pickled .
Collected in rocky intertidal
areas.
Maximum size: 21 cm*
Common size: 15 cm*Jontila unpub.

Family Holothuriidae

Est. Size: 40 cm
Photo: RG Dolorosa

Holothuria whitmaei (Bell,1887)
Common Name:
Local Name:CITES:IUCN Status:
Economic Value:

Black teatfish
Susuan, Bakungan
Appendix II
Endangered
High

Key Features:
•
•
•
•
•

The body is uniformly black incolor and the dorsal is usually
covered with fine sand.
It has 5-10 protrusions or “teats”
on the lateral margins of theventral part (Purcell et al. 2012).
Collected by divers in coral reefs.
Maximum size: 54 cm
Common size: 23 cm

47

Family Holothuriidae

27 cm

Pearsonothuria graeffei (Semper, 1868)
Common Name:
Local Name:
IUCN Status:
Economic Value:

Flower fish
Mani-mani, Flower
No assessment yet
Low

Key Features:
•

•
•
•
•
.
48

The body color is cream withlarge brown patches andsmaller light brown dots allover.
The tentacles are distinctively
black in color having whitecolor at the edge.
Common in coral reefs.
Maximum size: 45 cm
Common size: 18 cm

Order Synallactida
Family Stichopodidae••

Species under this family have medium
to large-sized body, often with angularcross-section and is flattenned ventrally.
With 20 peltate tentacles.
• Mouth isventral and anus
is teminal.
• Some havetubercles or papillae all over the body.

• Commonly found in coral reefs
and reef flats with some occuring inseagrass beds.
• Fleshy but easily melts whentaken out of the water.
49

Family Stichopodidae

Photo: RG Dolorosa

Stichopus chloronotus (Brandt, 1835)
Common Name:
Local Name:
IUCN Status:
Economic Value:

Green fish
Cuatro cantos
Least Concern
High

Key Features:
•
•

•
•
•

50

The body of live specimen isdark green to black in color.
The papillae are long andconical and are arranged on
both sides of the dorsal surface
and along the lateral marginsof the lower side (Purcell et al.
2012).
Common in coral reefs edges .
Maximum size: 35 cm
Common size: 20 cm

Family Stichopodidae

Est. Size: 26 cm

Stichopus herrmanni (Semper, 1868)
Common Name:
Local Name:
IUCN Status:
Economic Value:

Curry fish
Mani-mani, Hanginan
VulnerableHigh

Key Features:
•
•

•
•
•
•

Generally yellow in color, with atint of green in some individuals.
The body is relatively firm andflattened ventrally, with grey todark brown spots on the dorsal.
Some papillae are large andwarty, bordered by dark rings.
Mature individuals haveprominent cleavage accross thebody.
Common in seagrass beds.
Maximum size: 55 cm
Common size: 31 cm
51

Family Stichopodidae

33 cm

Stichopus horrens (Selenka, 1868)
Common Name:
Local Name:
IUCN Status:
Economic Value:

Selenka’s sea cucumber
Hanginan
Data DeficientHigh

Key Features:
•
•

•

•
•

52

The body color varies among
species from grey to beige toorange brown.
Distinguished by large conicalpapillae arranged in two rows
on the dorsal and also on thelower sides.
Found in coral reefs at depths
between 3-10 m.
Maximum size: 43 cm*
Common size: 30 cm*Jontila unpub.

Family Stichopodidae
Variants of Stichopus horrens from Johnson Is., Roxas, Palawan.

36 cm

53

Family Stichopodidae

38 cm

Stichopus monotuberculatus (Quoy and Gaimard, 1833)
Common Name:
Local Name:
IUCN Status:
Economic Value:

Unknown
Hanginan
Data DeficientHigh

Key Features:
•

•
•

•
•
•

54

The body is generally grey
in color with tint of beige or
yellow in some individuals.
Flattened ventrally.
The dorsal has dark brown
blotches or spots usuallyforming two distinct
transverse bands along
the body.
Common in coral reefs.
Maximum size: 38 cm
Common size: 20 cm

Family Stichopodidae

17 cm

34 cm

The specimen above (Stichopus aff. monotuberculatus)
has creamy to yellowish coloration with large black round dotson its entire dorsal area. It also has a chunky appearance similar to S. monotuberculatus, though the transverse band is notdistinct.

55

Family Stichopodidae

Size:23 cm

Stichopus noctivagus (Cherbonnier, 1980)
Common Name:
Local Name:
IUCN Status:
Economic Value:Night-wandering sea cucumber
Hanginan
Least Concern
MediumKey Features:
•

•
•

•
•
•

56

The color is generally pink withwhitish streaks and reddishbrown spots on the dorsal.
The papillae are long andslender.
The body is generally soft andeasily melts when taken out of
the water, much sensitive thanother Stichopus species.
Recorded in coral reefs.
Maximun size: 40 cm*
Common size: 26 cm*Jontila unpub.

Family Stichopodidae

27 cm

Photo: Jontila et al. 2014

Stichopus ocellatus (Massin, Zulfigar, Hwai &Boss, 2002)

Common Name:
Local Name:
IUCN Status:
Economic Value:

Ocellated sea cucumber
Hanginan
Data DeficientHigh

Key Features:
•

•

•
•
•

The color ranges fromyellow to orange with tintof yellow. It has large,
greenish warty-like
papillae with white base on
the dorsal.
Some individuals havedistinct transverse
cleavage.
Collected from shallow
coral reefs.
Maximum size: 33 cm
Common size: 23 cm
57

Family Stichopodidae

reddish papillae

36 cm

Photo: Jontila et al. 2014

Stichopus quadrifasciatus (Massin, 1999)
Common Name:
Local Name:
IUCN Status:
Economic Value:

Unknown
Hanginan
Data DeficientHigh

Key Features:
•

•
•
•
•
•

58

The body is yellowish withbrownish patches on thedorsal.
The shape is exrtemely
elongated.
The tips of the papillae are
red in color.
Inhabits shallow coral
reefs.
Maximum size: Unknown
Common size: 36 cm

Family Stichopodidae

26 cm

Stichopus rubermaculosus
Common Name:
Local Name:
IUCN Status:
Economic Value:(Massin, Zulfigar, Hwai &Boss, 2002)

Unknown
Hanginan
Data DeficientHigh

Key Features:
•

•

•
•
•

The color ranges from light todark brown with large papillaethat always have red tips.
The color pattern is highlyvariable and the only consistentdistinguishing feature is theuniform red color papillae(Maasin et al. 2002).
Inhabit shallow coral reefs.
Maximum size: 34 cm*
Common size: 26 cm*Jontila unpub.

59

Family Stichopodidae
Variants of Stichopus rubermaculosus from Johnson Is., Roxas, Palawan.

27 cm

37 cm

Est. size: 35 cm

60

Family Stichopodidae

Est. size: 25 cm

Stichopus sp.
Common Name:
Local Name:
IUCN Status:
Economic Value:

Unknown
Hanginan
Not Listed
MediumKey Features:
•
•
•
•
•

The body is whitish to greyish
in color.
The papillae are circular inshape and greenish in color
with red dots at the center.
Collected from coral reefs.
Maximum size: 37 cm*
Common size: 32 cm*Jontila unpub.

61

Family Stichopodidae

43 cm

Stichopus vastus (Sluiter, 1887)
Common Name:
Local Name:
IUCN Status:
Economic Value:

Curry fish
Emag, Hanginan
Least Concern
MediumKey Features:

•
•
•

•
•
•

62

The body color ranges fromgolden-brownish to olive green
with tint of golden yellow.
The base of the papillae has
fine dark line giving them apuzzle-like appearance.
The puzzle-like
papillaeseparate from each other andeventually disintegrate whentaken out of the water.
Inhabits coral reefs.
Maximum size: 54 cm*
Common size: 33 cm*Jontila unpub.

Family Stichopodidae

34 cm

Stichopus vastus (Dorsal)

Stichopus vastus (Ventral)
Stichopus vastus has deep transverse wrinkles on
the dorsal with yellow-orange interambulacral on its ventral.

63

Family Stichopodidae

37 cm

Thelenota ananas (Jaeger, 1833)
Common Name:
Local Name:CITES:IUCN status:
Economic Value:

Prickly redfish
Talipan, Tinikan
Appendix II
Endangered
High

Key Features:
•
•
•
•
•
•

64

The color varies from red to redorange.
The papillae are very large thatare conical or starshaped.
The ventral part is lighter in color.
Inhabits coral reefs between 1-25
m.
Maximum size: 80 cm
Common size: 50 cm

Photo: RG Dolorosa

Variant of Thelenota ananas in deep waters of Tubbataha Reefs Natural
Park, Cagayancillo, Palawan, Philippines.

65

Photo: RG Dolorosa

Family Stichopodidae

Photo: RG DolorosaEst. size: 40 cm

Thelenota anax (Clark, 1921)
Common Name:
Local Name:CITES:IUCN Status:
Economic Value:

Amber fish
Legs
Appendix II
Data DeficientLow

Key Features:
•
•
•
•

•
•
•

66

The body is extremely large(Adult >50 cm).
The color varies from white
beige to grey light or brown.
The dorsal has blotches withdark brown or reddish spots.
With wart-like bumps alongside of the dorsal.
Inhabits coral reef areas at
about 10 m deep.
Maximum size: 89 cm
Common size: 50 cm

Family Stichopodidae

Photo: J Selgrath

Thelenota rubralineata (Jaeger, 1833)
Common Name:
Local Name:CITES:IUCN Status:
Economic Value:

Lemonfish, Candy cane sea cucumber
Talipan, Tinikan
Appendix II
Data DeficientHigh

Key Features:
•

•
•
•
•

The body has striking complex
pattern of crimson lines (Purcell
et al. 2012).
With large, conical, fleshy
papillae having brownish or
yellowish tips.
Inhabit coral reefs.
Maximum size: 50 cm
Common size: 30 cm

67Order Apodida
Family Synaptidae

Synapta maculata

•
•

•
•

•

68

Species under this family
have no feet.
The body is elongated,
generally worm or snake-likein shape.
Some could reach up to 3 m(Synapta maculata).
Commonly found inseagrass beds and coral
reefs.
Neither consumed locally nor processed into trepang.

Family Synaptidae

Euapta godeffroyi

Photo: RG Dolorosa

Synapta maculata
Synaptula sp.

Photo: RG Dolorosa

69

REFERENCES
Akamine J. 2005. Role of the trepang traders in the depleting resource
management: a Philippine case. Senri Ethnological Studies, 67: 259–278.
Ardines R, Mecha NJMF, Dolorosa RG. 2020. Commonly gleaned macro-benthic
invertebrates in a small offshore island of Cawili, Cagayancillo, Palawan,
Philippines. The Palawan Scientist, 12: 102-125.
Balisco RAT, Gonzales BJ, Dolorosa RG. 2020. Species composition, abundanceand conservation status of some economically important macrobenthic
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
By blood and by birth, the author
is an Ilongga with a heart of a Palaweña.
She spent her early childhood in
the remote yet amazing coast of
Sowangan, Quezon, Palawan, Philippines,
where her profound love for the ocean isdeeply rooted. Living nearby the beach, it
is in the sand that she was taught how towrite her name. It is with the use of sea
shells that she learned how to count. It isin the bounty of sea that sustained themas her mother’s meager salary as a
newbie public teacher seemed to be
swept away by waves. And it is for selling
her father’s catch before going to school that taught her and her siblings topersevere in life.
At present, Dr. Jean Beth S. Jontila is an Associate Professor at
the College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences of Western Philippines
University in Puerto Princesa City, Philippines. She earned her degree in
BS Fisheries at the University of the Philippines in the Visayas, her MS
Marine Biology at Western Philippines University, and studied again at UP
Visayas for her PhD in Fisheries. Prior to joining the Academe, Dr. Jontila
was with WWF-Philippines working in Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park,
Cagayancillo and Balabac. She is specializing on sea cucumbers but also
works on Small-Scale Fisheries, Marine Protected Areas, Coastal
Resource Management and Marine Ecology and Ecosystems. She
published several papers in reputable journals and also served as a Lead
Researcher of Blue Communities Project funded by the United Kingdom
Global Challenges Research Fund. Additionally, Dr. Jontila acted as a
Project Leader for a number of projects funded by the Commission on
Higher Education and the Department of Science and Technology.
Likewise, she served as a resource person and consultant in her field ofexpertise including as technical expert in an environmental case in
Palawan. All these while taking care of her plants, four children andNashley-a 14-year old Aspin, with the help of her lifetime debate-coffeepartner, Atty. Jansen I. Jontila.
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