A Note on Occurrence of Four Sea Cucumbers (Echinodermata: Holothuriidae) from Vellar Estuary, Southeast of India

Abstract

This present study documents the occurrence of four sea cucumber species from Vellar estuary, South-East India. Occurrence of Holothurians from oyster beads and sea grass meadows of Vellar estuarine waters significantly extends the knowledge about the distributional range of this species. Detailed morphological features and colour patterns of the above species is described. The study suggests the need for more taxonomical and conservational studies for this type of vulnerable species for better understanding its diversity, conservation and geographical distribution pattern.