A brief survey of knowledge of echinoderm fauna in the northern Adriatic

Abstract

       Echinoderms occurring in the northern Adriatic have been a research subject for more than one century, but our present knowledge of physiology and partly of systematics and ecology of this animal group is still insufficient.

      About sixty species have been found in the investigated areas, most of them of Atlantic or Mediterranean origin and of mesobathic character. Because of the shallowness of the northern part of the Adriatic, some hypobathic species have a limited distribution in this area (Sphaeriodiscus placenta, Cidaris cidaris, Stichopus regalis). Echinoderms are very frequent on some kinds of bottom, and they can be considered as guide elements of certain biocoenoses or biocoenotic niches (V a t o v a’s  zoocoenoses Schizaster chiajei and Schizaster-Turritella, phytal-region, etc.).

      Investigations in the field of physiology and ecology of Echinoderm fauna in the northern Adriatic are still in progress.