Habitat 
Depth 
Group 
Role 
Average sizeWHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
The flat underside and rounded back shape the outline of the royal sea cucumber (Parastichopus regalis). The broad, elongated body looks less cylindrical than that of many sea cucumbers.
Beige colouring is dotted with tubercles, small white bumps. Towards the lower sides they lengthen and become pointed, emphasising the relief of the outline.
WHERE DOES IT LIVE?
It mainly frequents soft sandy or muddy seabeds, sometimes associated with detrital areas rich in organic particles. It is mostly encountered from a few tens to several hundred metres deep, in the Mediterranean and some neighbouring Atlantic areas. It often rests on the sediment surface or partly buries itself.
WHAT DOES IT EAT?
The royal sea cucumber works its mouth tentacles over the sediment surface, collecting the upper layer and bringing it to the mouth. Organic matter supplies food, while indigestible grains pass through the animal and leave through the anus. Particle size matters too: finer grains have been found in its gut than in neighbouring sediment. Feeding combines collection of a surface deposit with selection of the material, rather than feeding on the sand itself.
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