Sipu

Sipu, also known as "sea cucumber" or "trepang," refers to any marine invertebrate belonging to the class Holothuroidea. These elongated, leathery-bodied creatures are found on the seafloor worldwide, inhabiting a variety of marine environments from shallow coastal waters to the deep sea. Sipus are echinoderms, sharing a phylum with starfish and sea urchins, and are characterized by their radial symmetry.

Physically, sipus typically possess a cylindrical body, often with rows of tube feet used for locomotion and attachment. Their mouth is usually surrounded by tentacles, which they use to ingest sediment and detritus from the seafloor, playing a crucial role in nutrient cycling within marine ecosystems. Reproduction in sipus can occur sexually, with external fertilization, or asexually through fragmentation.

Sipus are a significant food source in many cultures, particularly in East Asia, where they are considered a delicacy and are used in traditional medicine. The harvesting and trade of sipus have led to concerns about overfishing in some regions, impacting local populations and marine environments. Research continues to explore the ecological importance and potential biochemical properties of these unique marine animals.