Abstract
The echinoderm fauna of the Kiunga Marine National Reserve, Kenya, is documented, based on the results of a field trip, and additional information from the literature. In this first paper, the Holothuroidea and Echinoidea are discussed. A total of 91 specimens representing eight orders, 13 families, 19 genera and 37 species were collected. Five other species were not collected but were identified in the field. Six additional species are reported from literature only and are not discussed. Diagnostic characters of every species recorded are given, as well as an assessment of their abundance in the Kiunga Marine Reserve. Clypeaster rarispinus, Phyllacanthus imperialis, Microcyphus rousseaui (Echinoidea), Holothuria (Cystipus) rigida, Holothuria (Platyperona) difficilis, Labidodemas pertinax, Stichopus chloronotus and Stichopus cf. monotuberculatus (Holothuroidea) are new records for Kenya. Holothuria (Theelothuria) turriscelsa is a new record for the Indian Ocean. This study stresses the importance of the Kiunga Marine National Reserve as a sanctuary in the conservation of the marine invertebrate fauna.
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