Synaptula recta is an elongated sea cucumber growing to a maximum length of about 40 cm (16 in).

The calcareous spicules in the cuticle consist of anchors with knobbed ends and curved bodies.

[3][4] The tips of these spicules project through the cuticle and help give traction during locomotion which is performed by peristalsis, synaptids having no tube feet.

Its range extends from the Red Sea, the Maldives and Sri Lanka to northern Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines and several Pacific island groups.

[1] It inhabits coastal waters and reefs, sand flats and seagrass meadows and occurs at depths down to about 20 m (66 ft).