Bohadschia
Large, colorful sea cucumbers common on coral reefs.
Bohadschia is a genus of sea cucumbers belonging to the family Holothuriidae. These animals are notable for being some of the biggest, most frequently seen, and most eye-catching sea cucumbers found on coral reefs. Their bodies are large and shaped like loaves of bread, and they often display vivid colors.
As of 2024, the World Register of Marine Species lists 12 recognized species within the genus: *Bohadschia argus*, *B. atra*, *B. cousteaui*, *B. koellikeri*, *B. maculisparsa*, *B. marmorata*, *B. mitsioensis*, *B. ocellata*, *B. paradoxa*, *B. steinitzi*, *B. subrubra*, and *B. vitiensis*. There are also two additional species that have been identified but not yet formally described. One of these, *Bohadschia* sp. 1, has been recorded in Bali, Okinawa Island, the Philippines, and Hawaii. The other, *Bohadschia* sp. 2, is known only from a single tissue sample taken from the Red Sea, and it may actually be the same species as *Bohadschia steinitzi*.
Quick Facts
- Taxon
- Bohadschia
- Type Species
- Bohadschia marmorata
- Type Species Authority
- Jaeger, 1833
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The genus Bohadschia belongs to the family Holothuriidae. Its members are notable for their large, loaf-like bodies and often striking coloration, making them among the most conspicuous sea cucumbers on coral reefs. As of 2024, the World Register of Marine Species recognizes 12 species in the genus, with species names such as Bohadschia argus, Bohadschia atra, and Bohadschia cousteaui, among others. Two additional undescribed species are known: Bohadschia sp. 1, recorded from Bali, Okinawa Island, the Philippines, and Hawaii; and Bohadschia sp. 2, known only from a single tissue sample from the Red Sea, which may be synonymous with Bohadschia steinitzi.
Reader's Guide
Bohadschia sea cucumbers are significant as among the largest, most common, and conspicuous members of the coral reef community. Their large, loaf-like bodies and often striking colors make them easily noticeable in their habitat. The genus includes 12 recognized species as of 2024, with two additional undescribed species indicating ongoing taxonomic work. The presence of an undescribed species from the Red Sea that may be synonymous with Bohadschia steinitzi highlights the need for further research. The species list includes names associated with researchers such as Jaeger, Massin, Cherbonnier, and others, reflecting a history of scientific description spanning from 1833 to 1999. The genus is placed within the family Holothuriidae, as noted in the source article.
Did You Know?
- Bohadschia is a genus of sea cucumbers in the family Holothuriidae.
- Two undescribed species are known: one from Bali, Okinawa, the Philippines, and Hawaii, and one from the Red Sea.
- The undescribed Red Sea species may be synonymous with Bohadschia steinitzi.
More in Sea Cucumbers and Brittle Stars 1-24
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced