Scotoplanes is a genus of deep-sea holothurian (Class Holothuroidea in the phylum Echinodermata-popularly known as sea cucumbers) in the family Elpidiidae (order Elasiopoda).
Members of the Elpidiidae have particularly enlarged tube feet that have taken on a leg-like appearance. These legs, in conjunction with their large, plump appearance have suggested the common name "sea pig". There are other genera of Elpidiidae with a similar appearance that have also been referred to as "sea pigs".
Scotoplanes live on deep ocean bottoms,specifically on the abyssal plain in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Ocean, typically at depths of over 1000 meters. Some related species can be found in the Antarctic.
Scotoplanes and all deep-sea holothurians are deposit feeders, and obtain food by extracting organic particles (i.e., food)from deep-sea mud. Scotoplanes globosa has been observed to demonstrate strong preferences for rich, organic food that has freshly fallen from the ocean's surface.
Scotoplanes often occur in huge densities, often numbering in the hundreds when observed. Early collections have recorded 300 to 600 individual specimens per trawl. Many deep-sea sea cucumbers are known to occur in high-densities.
Sea pigs are also known to host different parasitic invertebrates, including gastropods (snails) and small tanaid crustaceans.
This sea creature is like a cross between a pig and a slug. Sexy huh? :p
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Fish With Human Teeth
This fish was caught in Lubbock, Texas in 2006. It's not everyday that you see a fish with human looking teeth. In fact this fish probably could have used some braces.
Is this evolution at work? Very bizarre.
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What would you do if you found one of these?!
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