What do sea cucumbers eat?

Sea cucumbers eat algae, waste and small invertebrates on the sea floor. The animals eat with the same tube-like feet that they use for movement.

Sea cucumbers have an adaptation that allows them to expose hook-like structures to make themselves unappealing to predators. Many fish and other sea animals consider sea cucumbers prey. Humans, particularly those of Asian descent, also eat sea cucumbers, sometimes farming the Echinodermata for consumption.

A sea cucumber can grow up to 6 feet or more in length, though some are smaller than an inch. The animals live from five to 10 years in the wild.