(Brandt, 1835)
H. (Mertensiothuria) leucospilota is a black/red, medium to large (400-500 mm), cylindrical and elongate sea cucumber. Its body is soft, pliable, and covered with soft papillae. There are 20 black tentacles. The cuvierian tubules are readily ejected (H. leucospilota photo[/l]). [l][m]Glossary[/m][r]Spicule[/r]Spicules are low spired tables and simple buttons (H. leucospilota spicules[/l]). H. leucospilota may be found on [l][m]Glossary[/m][r]Reef[/r]reefs and coastal rocky shores, south to New South Wales, usually more or less concealed below rocks. It is common on reef flats.
Remarks: The soft, black leucospilota is common and easily recognised.