New observation of two species of sea cucumbers from the intertidal habitats of Hengam Island (Persian Gulf, Iran)

Abstract

Sea cucumbers are important due to their rotation of key nutrients and high medicinal values. With this in mind and considering the lack of scientific knowledge about them, the purpose of this research was to identify the species of sea cucumber occurring in the intertidal habitats of Hengam Island. Field sampling and surveys were carried out along the coastline based on the geomorphic and habitat characteristics of eight sampling stations in the inter-tidal zone. The samples that were collected from the stations were transferred to the laboratory and identified using morphological keys and a review of their ossicles. By reviewing the literature on the distribution of sea cucumbers, it was determined that a new observation had been made of Holothuria arenicola and Holothuria bacilla from Hengam Island (Persian Gulf).