Seven specimens of Holothuria leucospilota and Holothuria
atra were hand-captured at each site (except in TE where
only 5 H. atra individuals were collected due to low densities).
Only individuals with good health signs[22] were collected.
Holothuria leucospilota possess Cuvierian tubules
which are conspicuous intracoelomic caeca found in some
species of aspidochirote holothurians (not present in H.
atra). This defensive organ is discharged through the anus
when the animal is stressed. Cuvierian tubules time of expulsion
after capture was recorded for each H. leucospilota
individual in order to assess general stress status.
Longitudinal body muscle containing large neurons and
tegument of tentacles from buccal area were selected for
AChE analyses. Dorsal body tegument, digestive tract
wall and respiratory tree tissues were sampled for EROD