Introducing three species of Echinoids (order Echinoidea) in southern intertidal zone of Qeshm Island, the Persian Gulf

A one-year study (May 2007-April 2008) was undertaken to identify the echinoid species of intertidal sandy and rocky shores of the Qeshm Island. An intertidal sandy location and a rocky shore were surveyed in southern coasts of Qeshm Island, in northern Persian Gulf. Specimens were monthly collected along two 30m wide by 30 60m long (according to the tidal range) transects located approximately 300m apart, perpendicular to the sea, in each shore. Sampling was accomplished using 0.25m2 quadrat along each transect in the rocky shore, and by walking along nine 10×10-30m transects along each transect in the sandy shore. Three species of echinoids, belonging to 3 families were identified including: Clypeaster reticulatus, Diadema setosum and Echinometra mathaei. Identifications were verified by National Museum of Natural Science, Taiwan. While Clypeaster reticulatus belongs to sandy habitats, none of the identified species were observed in sandy location.