Abstract

Echinoderm diversity was studied from Mudasal Odai (Lat.11°29'N; Long. 79°46' E) and Nagapattinam (Lat. 10° 46' N; Long. 79° 59' E) coast of Tamil Nadu, south east India. We recorded 14 species, 11 genera, 8 families, 5 orders and 3 classes in Mudasal Odai and 11 species, 8 genera, 6 families, 5 orders and 3 classes in Nagapattinam coast. The most diverse families are Temnopleuridae (4 species in Mudasal Odai and Nagapattinam). Among the genera, Salmacis, Astropecten and Echinodiscus has two species each in both study areas. The Echinoderm species Temnopleurus torumatics is the dominant in both Mudasal Odai and Nagapattinam coasts. Three species (Stellaster equestris, Ophiocnemis mamorata and Salmacis virgulata) in Mudasal Odai and three species (Salmacis bicolor, Echinodiscus auritus, Echinodiscus bisperforatus) in Nagapattinam coast were recorded as abundant species. Three species (Pentaceraster regulus, S. bicolor, E. auritus) in Mudasal Odai and four species (Stellaster equestris, O. mamorata, Salmaciella dussumieri, Salmacis virgulata) in Nagapattinam were reported as co-abundant species. Three species are present in two coasts, four species are present in Mudasal Odai. All echinoderm species are present in Mudasal Odai coast; three species are absent in Nagapattinam coast.

Key words: Echinoderm, Mudasal Odai coast, Nagapattinam coast, Temnopleuridae, Temnopleurus torumatics, Salmacis.