Student Article
The Poop-Propelled "Headless Chicken Monster" of the Deep Sea
Sea cucumber (noun): A marine animal related to sea stars and sea urchins.
Marine snow (noun): Tiny bits of dead plants and animals that sink to the ocean floor.
Feces (noun): Waste material that is eliminated from the body after digestion.
Microbial (adjective): Related to microorganisms like bacteria.
Tentacle (noun): A long, flexible arm used for grabbing things.
Sediment (noun): Particles of sand, silt, and other materials that settle at the bottom of a liquid.
Aerate (verb): To add air to something or to let air move through it.
Illuminate (verb): To light up.
Slough (verb): To shed or remove a layer of skin.
The Enypniastes eximia sea cucumber, also known as the "headless chicken monster," is a fascinating deep-sea creature. It feeds on marine snow and has a see-through digestive tract, making it a unique inhabitant of the ocean depths.
What is Enypniastes eximia?
Enypniastes eximia is a sea cucumber that resembles a headless chicken. It grows to about 10 inches (25 cm) long and has a translucent body. This species lives in deep oceans, including near Antarctica, at depths ranging from 0.3 miles (500 meters) to 3.7 miles (6,000 meters).
How does it eat?
Enypniastes eximia feeds on marine snow, which consists of dead plankton and their feces bound together by microbial glue. It uses its tentacles to shovel sediment into its mouth. This sea cucumber was first discovered in the 1870s during the HMS Challenger expedition.
Why is it special?
Enypniastes eximia can swim by waving its webbed cloak. Its see-through digestive tract allows scientists to observe its feeding process. Before swimming it empties its guts, releasing cleaned sediment, similar to dumping sandbags from a hot air balloon. This behavior helps mix and aerate the seabed.
How does it stay safe?
Enypniastes eximia can illuminate its body to deter predators. If something bumps into it, its skin lights up and sloughs off, creating a glowing cloud. This acts like a burglar alarm, revealing the predator's presence while Enypniastes eximia escapes. It can quickly regrow its skin and retain its ability to glow.
© Dr. Helen Scales / Our Media
Sea cucumber (noun): A marine animal related to sea stars and sea urchins.
Marine snow (noun): Tiny bits of dead plants and animals that sink to the ocean floor.
Feces (noun): Waste material that is eliminated from the body after digestion.
Microbial (adjective): Related to microorganisms like bacteria.
Tentacle (noun): A long, flexible arm used for grabbing things.
Sediment (noun): Particles of sand, silt, and other materials that settle at the bottom of a liquid.
Aerate (verb): To add air to something or to let air move through it.
Illuminate (verb): To light up.
Slough (verb): To shed or remove a layer of skin.