The tentacles of the burrowing sea cucumber capture floating particulate food matter using on a complex particle trap, mucus, and an oral passageway.

“The feeding tentacles, being part of the water-vascular system, can be
extended by hydraulic pressure. The four basic types of tentacles are
dendritic, peltate, digitate, and pinnate [burrowing sea cucumbers’ tentacles are
dendritic]. Dendritic tentacles gather small particles suspended in the
water. Particles adhere to a coating of mucus on the tentacle, then the
sea cucumber places it into its mouth and removes the food. This is
suspension feeding. Cucumeria miniata [Burrowing sea cucumber] is a
common suspension feeder.” (Lambert 1997:6)

Last Updated August 18, 2016