The sea cucumber plays an unusual role in its ecosystem. | National Geographic

It may look like this sea cucumber is just lying there — but it’s actually working hard, recycling tons of sand. Each adult sea cucumber processes several kilos of sediment every day, cleaning it from organic matter and bacteria. They’re the ocean’s ploughmen — turning over the seafloor, oxygenating it, and keeping the ecosystem in balance. Without them, the seabed would literally start to suffocate. #oceanreality | Ocean Reality Channel

Some sea cucumber facts to help you think cooling thoughts as you endure the end of summer heat, from the fundamental to truly perplexing: 🥒They’re squishy invertebrates, not vegetables! 🥒Most sea cucumbers are scavengers, and play a similar role to that which earthworms perform on land. 🥒Some can shoot sticky threads at their enemies to entangle and confuse! 🥒Others can violently contract their muscles and shoot some of their internal organs out of their rear ends. Worried about our now org

Meet this unusual ocean resident- the sea cucumber! | Oceana