Identification of sea cucumber species (Holothuriidae) of Hengam Island intertidal zone (Persian Gulf, Iran)

In Iran, sea cucumbers are not well known. Sea cucumbers are important due to the rotation of key nutrients and high medicinal values. With this respect and the lack of scientific knowledge about them, this research was done to identify dominant species of sea cucumbers with aim in the intertidal habitats of the Hengam Island, located in the Hormoz Strait (Persian Gulf). The field sampling and survey have been done during the two semesters and carried out along the coastline based on geomorphology and habitat characteristics of 8 selected sampling stations in inter-tidal zone. Samples were collected during one year (from 2011 to 2013) and transferred to laboratory and identification was done by spicules extraction and using some valid identification keys. Species of sea cucumbers were identified were: Holothuria impatiens, Holothuria leucospilota, Holothuria arnicola, Holothuria parva and Holothuria bacilli. Holothuria leucospilota as the most dominant species distribution and abundance have been introduced.