These large, lumpy sea cucumbers are common on a range of lagoon, pinnacle and seaward reefs.
A small nudibranch, Phyllidiella pustulosa, is crawling on the side of the sea cucumber.
Below are some successively smaller specimens.
Tiny juveniles.
The commensal crab Lissocarcinus orbicularis is often found on Thelenota ananas, usually on the underside near the mouth or anus.
This one is on the underside of the sea cucumber, using its claws to hold onto a couple of tube feet.
Another commensal found occasionally on Thelenota ananas is the imperial shrimp Zenopontonia rex.
Another animal living commensally on Thelenota ananas is the worm Gastrolepidia clavigera. They are usually on the underside among the tube feet.
Created 22 June 2018
Updated 6 July 2021