The diversity of echinoderms in the seagrass meadows of Penang Island, Malaysia

Abstract

Many studies had been done on the diversity of echinoderms in Malaysia, especially on holothuroids, but only a handful was conducted on seagrass meadows. The lack of studies conducted on echinoderms in seagrass meadows coupled with the steadily declining area of seagrass meadows represents a serious threat to the documentation of Malaysia’s echinoderm biodiversity. This study was conducted to provide a checklist of echinoderms found in the seagrass meadows of Penang Island. Four sampling trips were conducted from October 2019 to February 2020 and specimens were collected by hand during low tide in two sites, Pulau Gazumbo and Middle Bank. Additional specimens in the collection of Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia (CEMACS, USM) were also included in this study. Ossicles of holothuroids were extracted, observed under a light microscope, and illustrated. A total of 31 specimens were examined and identified, comprised of 15 species: one from the class Asteroidea; seven from the class Ophiuroidea; two from the class Echinoidea; and five from the class Holothuroidea. The results would be able to serve as a basis for future studies on the taxonomy, diversity, and distribution of echinoderms in the seagrass meadows of Malaysia.