Apostichopus parvimensis

Warty sea cucumber

Family: Stichopodidae · Class: Holothuroidea · Order: Aspidochirotida

The warty sea cucumber (Apostichopus parvimensis, formerly Parastichopus parvimensis) is an economically important marine invertebrate belonging to the phylum Echinodermata, class Holothuroidea. This cylindrically shaped sea cucumber typically measures 15 to 30 centimeters (6 to 12 inches) in length and displays orange, brown, or chestnut coloration. The soft outer body wall is covered in mucous and characterized by prominent wart-like projections that give the species its common name. Like other echinoderms, warty sea cucumbers possess a water vascular system and regenerative capabilities. The species ranges from Monterey, California south to Puerto San Bartolomé, Baja California, Mexico, though it is uncommon north of Point Conception (Morris et al. 1980). The most comprehensive long-term monitoring data centers around populations at the northern Channel Islands, where the species has been studied extensively. Warty sea cucumbers are bottom-dwelling organisms that inhabit both rocky reef and soft bottom substrates. They occur from subtidal depths to approximately 180 feet (54.9 meters), with highest densities typically found between 30 and 75 feet (9.1 to 22.9 meters). At Santa Catalina Island, Muscat (1983) documented densities at depths ranging from 40 feet (12.2 meters) to 108 feet (32.9 meters). The species is commonly found in kelp forest ecosystems, sandy seafloors, and rocky reef habitats throughout its range. As deposit feeders, warty sea cucumbers play an important ecological role in marine benthic communities by processing sediment and organic matter. They move slowly across the seafloor, ingesting sediment and extracting nutrients from organic particles and microorganisms. Like other holothurians, they possess the ability to eviscerate their internal organs when stressed and subsequently regenerate these structures. Reproduction involves broadcast spawning, with fertilization occurring in the water column. Warty sea cucumbers support a significant commercial fishery in southern California, harvested by commercial divers for both domestic consumption and export markets. The species has been considered for inclusion in CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) Appendix II listings, as documented in Federal Register notices from March 2017 (82 FR 15058) and October 2018 (83 FR 52336). This potential listing reflects growing international concern over the sustainability of sea cucumber fisheries globally. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife monitors populations as part of ongoing research addressing the species' response to harvest pressure and environmental changes in California's marine ecosystems (CDFW 2023). Current population trends and specific conservation status remain under evaluation as of December 2025.

Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, and more.