| Echinoderms are relevant in the structure of marine benthic assemblages, both due their diversity and their ecological niche. However, studies related with occurrence, abundance and patterns of distribution of echinoderms in Venezuela are still scarce. In the present study we describe the echinoderms in shallow-waters habitats (corals patches, Thalassia beds, sandy bottom, rocky subtidal shore, and mouth of river) at Tunantal bay, Golfo de Cariaco, Venezuela, an area that face threats related with the increase of urban development. Samples were performed during September-October 2010 and February-April 2011, using quantitative (1 m(2) plots) and qualitative diving observations. Measurements include density, number of species, evenness, Shannon diversity... |
