Psolus

Lore & Background

Psolus is a genus of sea cucumbers within the family Psolidae. The article describes them as marine animals with long bodies, leathery skins and tentacles, that inhabit the sea bed. The genus includes a large number of species, each with its own scientific name and authorship.

Reader's Guide

The significance of Psolus lies in its representation of a diverse group of sea cucumbers within the family Psolidae. The article lists 66 recognised species, each attributed to various authors and years, indicating a long history of taxonomic study. These species are distributed across many regions, as suggested by names such as Psolus antarcticus, Psolus capensis, and Psolus japonicus. The genus is notable for its morphological traits—long bodies, leathery skins, and tentacles—which are characteristic of sea cucumbers that live on the sea bed. The article does not provide further details on ecological roles or economic importance, but the extensive species list underscores the genus's biodiversity and the ongoing work of taxonomists in describing new species, as seen with recent additions like Psolus lawrencei (2017) and Psolus rufus (2017).

Did You Know?

• Psolus species inhabit the sea bed.
• The genus includes 66 recognised species as listed in the article.