Abstract
The presence of an endangered and economically valuable species of sea cucumber, Holothuria (Metriatyla) scabra Jaeger, 1833, was investigated in the Alqurm Wa Lehhfaiiah Protected Area near the city of Kalba in the Emirate of Sharjah. Sea cucumber specimens were collected, and identification was first conducted using morphological keys. H. scabra identification was confirmed through microscopic observation of ossicles. Though this species is known to occur in other regions along the Gulf of Oman, this paper represents the first published record of H. scabra, in the coastal waters of the United Arab Emirates.
Highlights
Many marine and terrestrial invertebrates are understudied and suffer higher rates of threat of extinction than other taxonomic groups like mammals (McKinney, 1999; Cardosoa et al, 2011)
Holothurians, hereafter referred to as “sea cucumbers,” are a class of echinoderm that consist of six orders and nearly 1,400 species (Dabbagh et al, 2012; WoRMS, 2018)
Ossicles of dorsal body wall of H. scabra consist of tables (Fig. 2C) and buttons (Fig. 2D)
Summary
Many marine and terrestrial invertebrates are understudied and suffer higher rates of threat of extinction than other taxonomic groups like mammals (McKinney, 1999; Cardosoa et al, 2011). Holothurians, hereafter referred to as “sea cucumbers,” are a class of echinoderm that consist of six orders and nearly 1,400 species (Dabbagh et al, 2012; WoRMS, 2018) They play an important ecological role and present an economic opportunity. Global overharvesting has resulted in the declining of wild stocks (Kithakeni & Ndaro, 2002; Al-Rashdi, Al-Busaidi & Al-Rassadi, 2007; Wolkenhauer et al, 2010; Dabbagh et al, 2012; Hamel et al, 2013) This challenge to biodiversity and habitat conservation requires distribution ranges to be adequately recorded to inform appropriate management measures.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
