Echinodermata (Phylum) > Echinozoa (Subphylum) > Holothuroidea (Class) > Aspidochirotida (Order) > Holothuriidae (Family) > Actinopyga (Genus)

Cette espèce (taille max 40 cm), toujours entièrement noire, est présente tout autour de la Nouvelle-Calédonie; on la trouve sur les dalles calcaires recouvertes d'une mince couche de sable, dans les passes soumises aux courants de marée, ainsi que dans le lagon, près des récifs soumis à un fort hydrodynamisme.

Synonyme
Actinopyga obesa palauensis (Panning, 1944)

----------------------------

Poorly known species. Collected by divers for artisanal fisheries, but not intensively so, as it is found in lower densities and has a deeper distribution than other "blackfish" species. Processed product is not distinguished from those of other Actinopyga species; moderate commercial value. Occurs in moderately shallow water; never found on reef flats, but on flagstones of reef slopes, particularly on sand on forereef slopes. Populations reach medium densities up to 0.1 per square meter.