Help Solve This Mystery (SoCal sea cucumbers)

[drbill]

Before I kick the bucket , there are two mysteries I'd like to clear up. I've sent images of these two sea cucumbers to several echinoderm experts and no one has been able to give me an ID. Both were found off Catalina Island's leeward coast. I suspect both species are in the genus Holothuria due to the Cuvierian tubercles they released.

If anyone can give me an ID, I'd be grateful.

Star Thrower Educational Multimedia (S.T.E.M.) Dive Dry Column

Star Thrower Educational Multimedia (S.T.E.M.) Dive Dry Column

Star Thrower Educational Multimedia (S.T.E.M.) Dive Dry Column

 

[Andrew Dawson]

1st question: is the "Star Thrower" designation a reference to the book by Loren Eisley of the same name?

I would contact this guy:

Dr. Brian Bingham | Huxley College of the Environment

He was my invertebrates professor in college...and I have talked to him a few times over the years for this exact scenario. He has never left me without a positive ID

Please, keep this thread updated

 

[Seaweed Doc]

1st question: is the "Star Thrower" designation a reference to the book by Loren Eisley of the same name?

I would contact this guy:

Dr. Brian Bingham | Huxley College of the Environment

He was my invertebrates professor in college...and I have talked to him a few times over the years for this exact scenario. He has never left me without a positive ID

Please, keep this thread updated

Second vote for Brian. He's a good guy, and if he doesn't know can point you in a good direction.

 

[drbill]

1st question: is the "Star Thrower" designation a reference to the book by Loren Eisley of the same name?

Yes, I gave my business that name about 35 years ago

Thanks for the suggestion