These creatures live on or just underneath the surface
of the very bottom of the ocean, on the abyssal
plain. Called "sea pigs", they are a type of sea cucumber, which
is a member of the same phylum as starfish and sea urchins (Echinoderms).
They look and act kind of like slugs do up here on land. They feed on
the mud of the sea floor, benefiting from the organic materials that
settle to the ocean bottom. Sea cucumbers, starfish and sea urchins
can be found in all depths of the ocean. For reasons scientists don't
yet understand, members of the phylum Echinodermata (like the sea pigs)
are extremely successful down in the ocean depths. They are the most
plentiful species of sea creature down there. The sea floor must be
"hog heaven" for these sea pigs! This guy does look kinda
like a pig, doesn't he?
Read about deep sea hydrothermal
vents and the giant tubeworms
that live there...-->
Read about the Deepest
Place in the Ocean
See our Creature Gallery for more fascinating
world records.
