Polarised light micrograph of the skin of a sea cucumber (Synapta sp.) showing paired spicules referred to as ?榩lates and anchors?? The sharp spikes of the anchors may act as a deterrent to potential predators. This theory is born out by the fact that the ?榓nchors??in the edible sea cucumber have a similar appearance to the ?榩lates??and do not have sharp points. Magnification: x18 at 10cm wide