Tricky3 - Goggling Fiji - Fiji Faithful #2 - Pearsonothuria graffei, 1868

27/10/2006 - Fiji Faithful #2 - Pearsonothuria graffei, 1868

Posted in Fiji Faithful - Common Critters

Graffiti Sea Cucumber.
These animals can be found all over Fiji's reefs, using their water-vascular driven suction-cups to clamber around in search of food. Protruding from the front, around their mouths, are several long 'feet' which they use to feel their way around and gather detritus. Organic matter is separated and digested and the remiaining sand is expelled from the anus. Good Gogglers know that the strings of sand-beads that are observed hanging around the reef are the turd-graffiti left behind by these particular creatures.

If you happen to notice several Graffiti Cucumbers stading up on end in a small area then have a close look and you may notice smokey-looking gametes being released; you are watching sea cucumber sex!

27/10/2006 - Mmmm - Sea Cucumbers!

Posted by Homer

Chinese Braised Sea Cucumber and Mushrooms

Ingredients

450g soaked sea cucumber, rinsed and sliced thickly

1 thumb-size old ginger, smashed

1/2 tbsp Chinese rice wine

500g chicken drumsticks, cut into bite-size pieces

8 – 10 dried mushrooms, soaked to soften

Seasoning for chicken:

1/2 tbsp light soy sauce

1/4 tsp pepper

2 tbsp oil

4 slices ginger, shredded

1 tsp chopped garlic

1 tsp chopped shallots

Thickening:

1½ tsp cornflour mixed with 1 tbsp water

For sauce (combine):

2 cups chicken stock

1 tbsp light soy sauce

1 tbsp thick soy sauce

1 tbsp oyster sauce

1/2 tsp salt

3/4 tsp sugar

1/4 tsp pepper

1 tsp chicken stock granules
Method
Marinate chicken pieces with light soy sauce and pepper and leave aside for 20 – 25 minutes.

Place sea cucumber and ginger in a non-stick saucepan and stir-fry without oil until almost dry. Add in the rice wine and stir-fry briskly for one to two minutes. Remove the sea cucumber from the saucepan and set aside.

Heat oil until hot and fry shallots and garlic until lightly golden. Add ginger and fry until fragrant.

Add in chicken and mushrooms and stir-fry for two to three minutes. Pour in sauce ingredients and add the sea cucumber. Bring to a boil. Cover and cook over a low heat for 40–45 minutes or until sea cucumber is cooked and tender. Thicken with corn flour mixture.

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