Contributions to the biodiversity of echinoderms (Echinodermata) in the Department of Atlántico, Caribbean Sea, Colombia

Abstract

Echinoderms are a marine invertebrate group with important ecological functions in the ocean; they are the source of bioactive compounds, and some species are important for fisheries and aquaculture. Their study in the Colombian Caribbean has focused on taxonomic and ecological aspects and they are a well-documented group of invertebrates. However, small-scale studies of the group are required given the geomorphological and oceanographic diversity along the entire Colombian coastline. The Magdalena River runoff strongly influences the coastal ecosystems of the Department of Atlántico, which has the shortest continental shoreline with only 72 km. The benthic fauna in its surroundings is the biotic component receiving the influence of this river directly, but it has not been the object of deep taxonomic and ecological studies. Field echinoderm surveys were conducted at several sites from 2004 to 2019. Observations and direct collections were carried out from 0 to 5 m depth. We identified four classes, seven orders, eight families, ten genera, and 16 species. Thirteen of these species were first records for Atlántico: Luidia senegalensis, Astropecten articulatus, Amphiodia riisei, Amphiodia trychna, Echinometra lucunter lucunter, Encope michelini, Leodia sexiesperforata, Mellita quinquiesperforata, Isostichopus badionotus, Isostichopus sp., Holothuria grisea, Holothuria glaberrima, and Holothuria princeps. The most frequently observed species were M. quinquiesperforata and H. glaberrima. We provide the local geographic distribution, illustrations, and remarks on each species. This study attempts to close gaps regarding the knowledge of the distribution of marine invertebrates in the Colombian Caribbean Sea.