This is close to one of the figures of Holothuria fuscogilva in Ryanskiy (2020). Most other web figures we have seen of this species, including one in the same reference, show a smoother animal without the cone shaped dorsal protrusions and warts on all specimens we have seen, so our ID remains very tentative. Perhaps they smooth out as they get larger, although several of those figured below were already fairly good sized, at least 15cm long and probably a bit more. Like other species we have seen in the subgenus Microthele (e.g., H. whitmaei and H. fuscopunctata), these cucumbers are rather stiff bodied. Our few specimens were in lagoon Halimeda algae patches, often well camouflaged and difficult to recognize.
Underside.
When found, they are usually covered with sand, rocks and other debris, enabling them to blend in well with their surroundings.
The one below appears darker in color but still may be this species.
Below is a clean looking juvenile.
Juvenile underside.
Created 22 June 2018
Updated 12 February 2024