This sea cucumber shoots sticky tubes out of its butt

Sea cucumbers are fascinating marine creatures known for their bizarre appearance and unique abilities. Among them, the Enypniastes eximia, commonly known as the "headless chicken monster," stands out for its peculiar behavior of shooting sticky tubes out of its butt. In this blog post, we will explore this amazing creature and what its genes can tell us about it.

The Headless Chicken Monster: A kevin the sea cucumber 

The Enypniastes eximia is a deep-sea dwelling sea cucumber that can be found in the waters around Australia, New Zealand, and Antarctica. It has a cylindrical body that can grow up to 25 cm in length and is covered with small, fleshy projections called papillae. It is called the "headless chicken monster" because of its unusual appearance and behavior, as well as its tendency to lose its head when threatened, which can regenerate over time.

The Sticky Tubes

One of the most remarkable features of the Enypniastes eximia is its ability to shoot sticky tubes out of its anus. These tubes, called cuvierian tubules, are used as a defense mechanism against predators. When threatened, the sea cucumber contracts its muscles and expels the tubules, which can entangle and deter predators. The tubules are made up of a sticky substance that can immobilize predators and can be difficult to remove.

The Genes

Recently, scientists have sequenced the genome of the Enypniastes eximia, which has provided insights into the evolution and biology of this unusual sea cucumber. One of the most interesting findings was the discovery of a large number of genes related to the immune system, which suggests that the Enypniastes eximia may have a highly developed immune system to defend itself against the harsh environment of the deep sea.

Another surprising discovery was the presence of genes related to vision, which is unexpected for a creature that lives in the dark depths of the ocean. These genes may have evolved to help the Enypniastes eximia detect bioluminescent organisms or other sources of light in the deep sea.

Additionally, the Enypniastes eximia has a unique set of genes related to the formation of collagen, a protein that is essential for the structure and function of tissues in animals. This suggests that the sea cucumber may have developed specialized collagen to withstand the high pressure and cold temperatures of the deep sea.

Conclusion

The Enypniastes eximia is a fascinating creature with many unique features that have captured the attention of scientists and the public alike. Its ability to shoot sticky tubes out of its butt is just one of the many strange and wonderful things about this sea cucumber. By studying its genes, we can gain a better understanding of how it has adapted to life in the deep sea and what lessons it may hold for the future of biology and medicine.