Publication Date:
2021-05-19
Description:
Echinoderm species are important members of benthic communities existing in subtropical to
polar regions. They have an important role in nutrient cycles and other communications
between organisms. This study investigated the distribution and abundance of brittle star
Macrophiothrix cheneyi in the intertidal zone of Chabahar bay, the Oman Sea. Sampling was
randomly done bimonthly using a square meter quadrate during one year, from November
2008 to September 2009, at 5 selected stations. According to the results of a Kruskal-Wallis
analysis, the density of this species at different sampling times and stations revealed a
significant difference (P〈0/05). The highest frequency of this species was measured at the
station of Chabahar University of Maritime and Marine Science in September 2008 ( ±1/54
3/58 ind.m-2
) and its lowest frequency was measured at Kolbe Qavasi station during the whole
year except January. The difference in abundance (between the different months and stations)
seems to be influenced by ecological (bed, food and shelter) and biological factors (fertility,
hunting and competition). The investigation of distribution revealed that brittle stars in the
intertidal zone under study followed random and patchy dispersion. The results of the stability
indicator revealed that though the brittle star was rarely found during some periods, it was a
common species in September 2008.
Description:
Published
Keywords:
Brittle star
;
Abundance
;
Distribution
;
Macrophiothrix cheneyi
;
Species
Repository Name:
AquaDocs
Type:
Journal Contribution
,
Refereed
Format:
pp.46-55
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