Echinoderm Diversity in the Arabian Sea and the Sea of Oman

A comprehensive survey of Oman's coastal habitats unveiled a richer echinoderm biodiversity than previously anticipated, with 75 species documented across four classes: holothuroids (21), echinoids (20), crinoids (6), and asteroids (28). Notable discoveries include the first observation of Holothuria nobilis north of the Red Sea and Holothuria arenacava near Muscat, alongside the life record of the starfish Ferdina sadhensis. The study also identified several unidentified specimens, hinting at potential new species. A significant shift in echinoderm community structure was observed at Ras-Al-Hadd, suggesting either environmental changes or a bio-geographic barrier limiting species dispersal. Conducted across five regions—Musandam, Capital area, Sur-Qalhat, Masirah, and Dhofar—the survey provides critical insights into the marine biodiversity of the Arabian Sea and Sea of Oman.

Claereboudt, M. R., & Alrashdi, K. M. (2022). Echinoderm Diversity in the Arabian Sea and the Sea of Oman. Biodiversity Journal, 13(1), 65–71. https://doi.org/10.31396/biodiv.jour.2022.13.1.65.71