Distribution and feeding habit of sea cucumber at Bidong Island, Terengganu

Abstract

A total of 4 sea cucumber species were observed and identified along the period of study in Pulau Bidong. Of these, two species belonged to Family Holothuridae and two to Family Stichopodidae. The highest sea cucumber diversity was observed in transect 3, that outer slope and sandy area. Holothuria atra, Holothuria edulis, Stichopus variegatus and Stichopus chloronotus were found in the area but these species were not very frequent in catches. Sea cucumbers were harvested by fishers through diving and hand picking. Family Holothuriidae had the highest diversity overall with two species followed by Family Stichopodidae had two species. The study of species diversity and abundance revealed that Family Holothuriidae dominated observed transects with 82% of the total number of individuals. Family Holothuriidae observed transect with 50 % of the total number of species. This study shows that not only morphology and coral structure played in important role in sea cucumber biodiversity, but also the adjacent area of dead coral, sand, rocks and boulders. The outcome of this study shows that Shanon-Wiener diversity index was not suitable comparing sea cucumber biodiversity due to certain species or family dominated study area in Pulau Bidong.