Sylky Sea Cucumber (Chiridota laevis)

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Live Sylky Sea Cucumber (Chiridota laevis)
Please Note This Is A Live Science Specimen

The Sylky Sea Cucumber (Chiridota laevis) is a soft-bodied echinoderm found in the shallow coastal waters of the Gulf of Maine. This small, elegant species is typically discovered attached to rocks or nestled within cracks and crevices along the intertidal zone. Its smooth, flexible body displays a range of rich colors — from dark brown and maroon to deep purple — accented by lateral rows of orange tube feet and a delicate, feather-like feeding structure at the anterior end.

Unlike the more rigid sea cucumbers of tropical regions, the Sylky Sea Cucumber lacks spicules and a hardened outer surface, giving it a silky texture and graceful movement. It is a popular specimen for marine biology courses, echinoderm studies, and aquarium observation due to its fascinating feeding behavior and gentle appearance.

Common name: Sylky Sea Cucumber
Scientific name: Chiridota laevis
Locations: Shallow coastal waters, attached to rocks, or in cracks and crevices
Seasonality: Available all year
Colors: Dark brown, tan, maroon, purple, with lateral orange feet and feeding structure
Size: 2” – 3”
Collected: By hand
Quantity: Sold by the each

Uses: Excellent for echinoderm studies, classroom observation, aquarium displays, and coastal ecology lessons.

Note: This is a live marine specimen. Natural variations in size, color, and appearance from photos should be expected. If you would like any specimen preserved, please send a request to: info@gulfofme.com.

Live Sylky Sea Cucumber (Chiridota laevis)
Please Note This Is A Live Science Specimen

The Sylky Sea Cucumber (Chiridota laevis) is a soft-bodied echinoderm found in the shallow coastal waters of the Gulf of Maine. This small, elegant species is typically discovered attached to rocks or nestled within cracks and crevices along the intertidal zone. Its smooth, flexible body displays a range of rich colors — from dark brown and maroon to deep purple — accented by lateral rows of orange tube feet and a delicate, feather-like feeding structure at the anterior end.

Unlike the more rigid sea cucumbers of tropical regions, the Sylky Sea Cucumber lacks spicules and a hardened outer surface, giving it a silky texture and graceful movement. It is a popular specimen for marine biology courses, echinoderm studies, and aquarium observation due to its fascinating feeding behavior and gentle appearance.

Common name: Sylky Sea Cucumber
Scientific name: Chiridota laevis
Locations: Shallow coastal waters, attached to rocks, or in cracks and crevices
Seasonality: Available all year
Colors: Dark brown, tan, maroon, purple, with lateral orange feet and feeding structure
Size: 2” – 3”
Collected: By hand
Quantity: Sold by the each

Uses: Excellent for echinoderm studies, classroom observation, aquarium displays, and coastal ecology lessons.

Note: This is a live marine specimen. Natural variations in size, color, and appearance from photos should be expected. If you would like any specimen preserved, please send a request to: info@gulfofme.com.

An up-close shot of a pile of bubbling sylkies.

An up-close shot of a pile of bubbling sylkies.

Tidepool Tim says,  “Sylkies are small sea cucumbers. These creatures perform an ecosystem service similar to terrestrial earthworms. They break down small organic material into microscopic materials which are recycled back into the ocean ecosystem through bacterial processing.”