Can someone identify this seafood for me?

[abstibus]

I have tried to get the name but with no luck, although I can find images.
The seafood is black, can be about 3" long and 1" thick, and although it is soft and fairly squishy to eat, it has spiny protuberances.

[ubasses]

calamares (squid)

[EcclesCake]

Sea urchin?

[abstibus]

I think it's some type of a sea slug, but there are so many that it's impossible to identify. It's used in Chinese cuisine, but I've never seen it here.

[rojash]

"although I can find images. "
Well, if you supply a link to the images, we might stand a better chance.

[emeritus]

Probably a form of Sea Cucumber ?

[emeritus]

http://en.wikipedia.o...i/Sea_cucumber_(food)

[razza]

Its one what got through from sewage farm

[abstibus]

Thanks - it's sea cucumber. I tried to get the google images to link, but the page kept changing.
Have you ever eaten it?

[emeritus]

No I have never had the opportunity but as I love Whelks I wouldn't mind trying them. They look quite similar (when cooked)

[abstibus]

I've just seen it on about.com and it's supposed to be an aphrodisiac. And I thought my hosts were just pandering to my veggie tastes!!!
I have a Korean friend who keeps sending me Ginseng. Do you think people are trying to tell me something?

[dustypuss]

Hear's a strange fact

http://echinoblog.blo...cucumber-throats.html

[abstibus]

dusty
Uggh!!
I'm so glad that I've only just found this out, and not 15 years ago!!

[EcclesCake]

I was wondering about sea cucumbers.....horrible ugly things.

They aren't a vegetable though.......how strict a vegetarian are you?

[abstibus]

I never eat meat in China.

[Beswad]

Watch at 3:35

[Beswad]

They are very expensive. Delicious when cooked right.