User:Sir. Somerset/seaapple

Sea Apple is the name used for a large and round colorful sea cucumber which is classified in the family Cucumariidae, order Dendrochirotida and genus Pseudocolochirus. This species is a saltwater invertebrate and has been described as “Death in a Colorful Package” as they are very colorful but may also release a poisonous substance called holotoxin as a defense mechanism. This poisonous substance may also be released after death as well. . Its aposematic coloring is a common marking in nature on poisonous animals, as it serves the purpose of warning potential predators of its poison, foul nature or of its potential harm towards other species. . Sea Apples have round shaped ovate bodies and tube like feet which assist them in filter feeding a diet of phytoplankton.

As the most common species of the genus Pseudocolochirus, the Indonesian Sea Apple, P. axiologus can be found in pet shops, along with the Australian Sea Apple, P. violaceus. . A third variation, the Philippine Sea Apple is less common. .Though they are sold in pet shops, a number of restrictions may apply to their care. Their environment must consist of a well established aquarium with live rock to produce its food. . Their potent chemical defenses may be extremely toxic to fish and other coral reef inhabitants and may wipe out other life in an aquarium. Placing them in tanks with other aquatic life may result in their eventual death. However, their release of toxic chemicals is only a last resort defense system for the species which they will use normally only after trying a variety of other defenses.

Sea Apples are known to Spawn creating brownish colored eggs and nocturnally releasing them into their aquatic environment. This release has been documented in causing death to existing fish in the environment and may not be predicted beforehand. .