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Sea apples (Pseudocolochirus spp.) are among the most photogenic and unusual creatures found on Komodo's southern reefs. These brightly coloured sea cucumbers are a signature species of the park's nutrient-rich cold-water zone.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Pseudocolochirus violaceus and related species |
| Size | 5–15 cm body length |
| Colour | Vivid combinations of purple, red, orange, yellow, and white |
| Feeding method | Extends feathery tentacles into the current to trap plankton particles |
| Habitat | Rocky reef surfaces in nutrient-rich, current-exposed areas |
| Depth | 10–30 metres |
Sea apples are a macro photographer's dream subject. Their vivid, contrasting colours against dark reef backgrounds create naturally stunning compositions. When feeding, their extended tentacles add dynamic, feathery elements to the frame. They are also completely stationary, making them ideal for careful, composed macro photography.
Sea apples are toxic if eaten — they contain holothurin, a toxin that deters predators. This is relevant only in the unlikely event of accidental ingestion; for divers, they are completely harmless to observe. As with all marine life in Komodo, do not touch them — handling can cause them to retract their feeding tentacles and disrupt their behaviour.