Sea cucumbers are found throughout the waters of the Galapagos and play a major role in the marine ecosystem of the Galapagos Marine Reserve (GMR). Unfortunately, overfishing of one particular sea cucumber species (Isostichopus fuscus) has caused their numbers to drop dangerously.

Sea cucumbers are cylinder-shaped invertebrate animals that live in seas worldwide - most Galapagos sea cucumbers belong to the genus Holothuria. They are found in a variety of sea floor habitats, either buried in the sand or attached to rocks or sand. These worm-like animals, which grow to about 20 centimeters in length, have a life span of about five to ten years when left undisturbed.

Source: Sea Shepherd Conservation Society