One of the novel features of sea cucumbers is that many stop feeding in October or November and, when examined, are found to contain no intemal organs. New intemal organs are regenerated in about six weeks. Why such organ losses occur is another mystery surrounding these interesting creatures. Life Cycle Spawning occurs mostly from June to August and is accomplished by shedding sperm and eggs into the water where fertilization takes place. The fertilized eggs develop into larvae which may spend 70 days as plankton suspended in the water before settling on the bottom and changing into miniature, juvenile sea cucumbers.
Juveniles are very secretive and hide among sea weed, under stones, and in crevices.
Growth is thought to be slow, requiring at least four to five years for adult size of 0. 5 kg to be reached. Their life span may be more than eight years. As they crawl about, their light amber-coloured ventral surface is in contact with the sea bottom. The dorsal surface is covered with stiff, conical projections and can vary greatly in colour from light red to dark burgundy or even mottled brown. Sea cucumbers may reach 45 cm in length and weigh more than I kg.