Tobago’s ‘Chocolate Chip’ Sea Cucumber Catches Attention Underwater An unusual-looking sea creature photographed in Tobago is catching attention for its distinctive appearance and rather tasty-sounding name, the chocolate chip sea cucumber. Photographer Andy Dumbell shared the underwater image, joking that the creature looked like “what happens when a jacket potato evolves”. The animal appears consistent with the chocolate chip sea cucumber, scientifically known as Isostichopus badionotus. The species gets its common name from the dark brown spots scattered across its lighter body, giving it an appearance resembling chocolate chips. The species is no stranger to Tobago’s waters. Isostichopus badionotus was among the marine invertebrates documented during The University of the West Indies’ 2023 Buccoo Reef BioBlitz. Sea cucumbers spend much of their time along the seafloor, feeding on sediment and processing organic material within the marine environment. While Tobago’s reefs are famous for colourful fish and corals, the photograph offers a closer look at one of the more unusual creatures living beneath the island’s waters.
