Evisceration behavior and the seasonal incidence of evisceration in the Holothurian Eupentacta Quinquesemita (Selenka)

Evisceration of the dendrochirote holothurian Eupentacta quinquesemita (Selenka ) results from softening of three autotomy structures, the P-L tendon, the intestine-cloacal junction and the introvert . The internal organs are expelled anteriorly through rupture of the introvert. Visceral autotomy occurs under natural conditions and is seasonal. Evisceration started in September and continued through November. By November 1982, 76 % of the holothurians at one site and 49% at a second site had eviscerated. Specimens collected in the following winter months had regenerating or newly functional digestive tracts. Regeneration under natural conditions takes approximately 2-4 weeks .