Volume 4, Issue 5

Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Echinoderms in the Intertidal Waters of Massawa.

Author

Prabhu. H. V.1, Lakshmipathi M.T.,2Kidane Teum1, Michael Angesom1 and A. T. Ramachandra Naik2

Abstract

In this paper distribution patterns of echinoderms, sediment textural analysis and physical parameters were dealt in three study sites, Gurgussum, Hirgigo and Tiwalet at the lower intertidal and upper subtidal waters for three months (February, March and April, 2012). Echinoderms distribution and abundance (no/m2) varies from site to site during sampling periods. The three sites also differ in species composition. The highest total density of Oreasteridae (4/m2) was recorded in Tiwalet and it was nil for the same group in Gurgussum and Hirgigo. The most common groups that were seen in Gurgussum are Ophicomidae (107/m2) and Echinomertridae (87/m2) and completely absent in Hirgigo and Tiwalet. The highest in diversity of echinoderms was Tiwalet consisting of four families (i.e. Oreasteridae, Ophiuroidae, Scutellidae and Holothuriidae). However, Hirgigo was completely devoid of any of these groups. Both water temperature and salinity were recorded in all three sites for the three months. It was observed that there was negligible temporal and spatial variation with respect to the two physical parameters. Textural analysis of sediment (sand, silt and clay) showed that sand was dominant fraction in Hirgigo than Tiwalet, while silt is comparatively more in Tiwalet than in Hirgigo. The clay fraction was distributed uniformly in very low percentage in both the sites. But, the site Gurgussum is entirely a hard substratum. In general, echinoderms showed negative correlation with sand and silt whereas positive correlation with clay.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.62226/ijarst20150533

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