A contribution to the knowledge of the species Holothuria tubulosa GMELIN, 1788 (Holothuria, Echinodermata) in the coastal area of the central eastern Adriatic

Abstract

      Due to an increased interest in the exploitation of some species of the genus Holothuria in the Adriatic, a number of biological-ecological studies of the species Holothuria tubulosa GMELIN, 1788 were carried out in order to protect the species and its habitat.

      Research was carried out on different bottom types in the coastal area of the central Adriatic (from Dubrovnik to Zadar), in October 1996 and April and August 1997.

     Specimens of the sea cucumber were collected by SCUBA divers using by the direct method of collecting or counting individuals along transects, down to a depth of 20 m.

     Collected material was interpreted to establish distribution, relative abundance, biometric characteristics, sexual cycle and species renewal upon exploitation in a number of study areas.