The Body Wall Spicule Formations of Mature Holothuria impatiens Found in La Union, Philippines

Abstract

Describing spicule formations in sea cucumbers is necessary to establish an extensive data to fully characterize the species. The present research described the spicule formations from the mid-dorsal and mid-ventral body wall of a mature Holothuria impatiens collected from Poro Point, San Fernando City, La Union. The characterization was done by spicule analysis. Investigation showed the presence of different spicule formations in Holothuria impatiens which includes C-shaped rods, spinous rods, tables, and buttons of varying forms. Button is the most abundant spicule formation for both the mid-dorsal and mid-ventral body wall. Present investigation shows an uncommon record of varying button formations with more than three inside holes.