First report of sea cucumber species (Holothuroidea: Holothuriidae) in Matanchén Bay, México

Sea cucumbers (holothuroids) play a major role in coastal environments; their detritivore conduct favors oxygen penetration the sediments and disposal of pathogens on sea floor. This study determined holothuroid diversity rocky intertidal zone Matanchén Bay, Mexico. Sampling campaigns were carried out January, March, May, July 2018. Linear transects (10 m length 1 width) perpendicular to coastline areas (0-3 depth) established, where density (ind m-2) proportion (%) estimated. Organisms photographed, examined live, preserved 70% alcohol for subsequent identification utilizing ossicle characterization. Our results show presence four cucumber species: Holothuria (Halodeima) inornata Semper, 1868, (Selenkothuria) lubrica Selenka, 1867, portovallartensis Caso, 1954, (Mertensiothuria) viridiaurantia Borrero-Pérez & Vanegas-González, 2019. The average per species was 0.208, 0.108, 0.017, 0.025 ind , respectively; each species' 58.1, 30.2, 4.7, 7.0%, respectively. Due above values, we found that number spatial distribution vary Bay.