Inventário dos Echinodermata do estado da Bahia

Abstract

The Phylum Echinodermata contains near 7000 living species divided into five Classes. Throughout the years, much has been discovered about them. Besides traditional studies on their ecology, morphology and taxonomy, recent studies are emphasizing new subjects such as medicinal uses, paleoenvironmental indicators and even craftwork. In this study it is presented the occurrence of the Echinodermata species from the Bahia State (Brazil), which are represented by a total of seventy one living species and six fossils. Among the living species, eight belong to the Asteroidea Class, forty to the Ophiuroidea, thirteen to the Echinoidea, seven to the Holoturoidea and three to the Crinoidea. Even though the Bahia State has the longest coastal line, in the whole country, its diversity represent only 21 % of the currently registered Echinodermal fauna of Brazil.