669B - Iceland's Seabed Ecosystem III - Sea cucumber - Self-adhesive -B50g World

Sea cucumber (Holothuroidea) is one of six orders within the phyla of echinoderms. The graceful sea cucumber depicted on the stamp has been given the name „purple millipede“ (Laetmogone violacea) by the Marine Research Institute. The name refers to its purple colour and numerous feet. Sea cucumbers can be found on seabeds all over the world and are widely used for human consumption. One of the largest sea cucumber species in Iceland, Cucumaria frondosa, is the only one used for consumption. Sea cucumbers play an important role in the ocean ecosystem. They break down remnants of dead animals and other organic material while subsisting on plankton and decomposed organic matter.