Identification and Examination of Echinoderms Population Species Diversity within the Inter-Tidal Zone of Hengam Island in Qeshm South County (Persian Gulf)

This study has been applied within a one-year period 1391-1392 (2012-13) with the objective of habitat classification and determination of coastal-marine biotypes in Hengam Island based on CMECS ecological standard model. Members of echinoderms branch are assumed as the well-known and most frequent marine invertebrates and are considerably important. In the primary examinations, 8 stations were selected non-randomly based on geomorphologic characteristics and exclusive habitats that were easily accessible. The sampling was performed seasonally and in full ebb condition or best state of ebb. Each station was examined completely as coastal survey. The samples collected from stations after stabilization in alcohol 70%, were transferred to environment laboratory of Bandar Abbas. The samples were identified based on scientific resources and valid identification keys. Accordingly, altogether 10 echinoderm species belonging to 6 types and 6 families were identified including 5 species of sea cucumbers, 3 species of echinoidea, 1 species of brittle stars and 1 species of sea star. Frequency of echinoderms population in western half of island is lower than eastern half due to bed type, high slope and waves action. Out of echinoderms, Echinometra mathaei species; Holothuria leucospilota species out of sea cucumbers; Ophiocoma scolopendriana species out of brittle stars and Linckia multiflora species out of sea star had permanently present in the studied zone and introduced as exclusive species of island. The results present research to introduce greater potential is effective Persian Gulf waters.