This giant California sea cucumber (Apostichopus californicus) has an interesting spotted pattern and was noticed on a dive at Oak Leaf, near Nanoose Bay. The giant California sea cucumber can grow to around 20 inches (50 cm) long, and has large stiff conical spikes or papillae. This species of sea cucumber is often solid red or reddish-brown. There are also many variable colour combinations with mottled patterns of red, brown, white and yellow. The giant California sea cucumber resides on rocks and soft substrates with a range from central Alaska to northern Mexico.