Population Density, Distribution, and Species Composition of Sea Cucumbers in Pagasinan Tidal Flat, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, Philippines

Abstract

This study investigated the population density, distribution, and species composition of sea cucumbers in Pagasinan Tidal Flat, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, Philippines. Sea cucumbers were collected in the night along the tidal flat and by snorkeling along the reef area. The study recorded seven species belonging to genera Holothuria (five species), Bohadschia (one species), and Stichopus (one species). The population densities ranged from 0.09 ± 0.5 to 3.85 ± 1.67 individuals per 100 m2 each with varying habitat preferences.