A survey on feeding of sea urchin (Echinometra mathaei) in the tidal zone in the Coasts of Chabahar

This research has been conducted seasonally and in three stations so as to determine the dietary of sea urchin Echinometra mathaei species in tidal zones on Chabahar coast over the period of six month beginning from Shahrivar 1391 to Farvardin 1392 (Persion Date). The caught E. mathaei were delivered to yhe laboratory and after dissection، the contents of the digestive system of this species were examined through microscopes. The examination resulted in identification of the animals which were inside the digestive system and their priovitization in accordance with their species (brown، Red،Green Algea). The E. mathaei which has been under study has shown a various range of dietary. The fact that E. mathaei fed on brown algea (Kelp، Sargassum) and red algea (Grasylaria) has been pointed out by previous studies and this research also confirm the outcome of these studies. Because the study diet E. mathaei Sea urchin approx invertebrate animals cannot be classified as nutritional characteristics in vertebrates (fish) is used، enjoyed. Statistical indicators that can be used for sea urchin، gonadal index and calculate the total body weight is the weight of the gastrointestinal tract. On the whole، the dietary of E. mathaei consists primarily of brown algea available in their own habitat and secondry of red and green algea. It has also observed that they occasionally feed on Algea.