THE BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND UTILIZATION OF URECHIS UNICINCTUS

Abstract

The Urechis unicinctus is a rare treasure benthonic animal that most seen in China, Japan and Korean Peninsula. As the research moves along, people gradually realized that Urechis unicinctus possesses delicious meat with high economic value. High protein content and the presence of numerous essential amino acids in the body wall muscle are arguments for regular consumption to increase human health. This paper reviews and discusses available research results regarding biology, ecology and physiology of Urechis unicinctus emphasizing its potential to be valorized for different industries. Nevertheless, the paper provides references for further studies dealing with producing of Urechis unicinctus under controlled conditions.