Species composition and relative abundance of aspidochirote holothurians in Panglao, Bohol, Philippines
Margie Vito
There were 17 species of holothurians identified among the 94 individuals observed in Danao, Panglao, Bohol. The collection of species was done during the lowest low tide using a 200-meter belt transect covering an area of 800 square meters. The holothurian species identified are namely: Holothuria atra, Holothuria aff atra, Holuthuria coluber, Holothuria fuscocineria. Holothuria hilla, Holothuria impatiens, Holothuria lineata, Holothuria pervicax, Holothuria rigida, Holothuria scabra, Holothura turriscelsa, Bohadscia argus, Bohadscia marmorata, Bohadscia vitiensis, Aactinopyga caroliniana, Actinopyga echinites and Personothuria graffei. Among all species, Holothuria atra had the highest abundance with 56% relative to other species. Followed by H. fucocineria with 18% and H. scabra with 12%. The relative abundance of these species were due to their fast reproducing ability. However, majority of these sea cucumbers species are of high commercial value, hence, there is a need for continuous monitoring for conservation, preservation and sustainability of these important fishery resource.
Margie Vito. Species composition and relative abundance of aspidochirote holothurians in Panglao, Bohol, Philippines. J Entomol Zool Stud 2019;7(3):1274-1276.