engleski

Marine fauna of Mljet National Park (Adriatic Sea, Croatia). 2. Echinodermata

Echinoderms of the Mljet National Park from all kinds of environments have been reviewed. In the summer season from 1995-2002 research was carried out at 63 sites by SCUBA and skin diving along transects up to a maximum 58 m depth. Deeper, at 21 stations, specimens were collected by a Van Veen grab. At 6 sites, echinoderms were obtained from a commercial trammel bottom set, or from lobster pots. Previous published records were used and old collections also were examined. In total 52 species and one ecophenotype were recorded. General distribution, depth range, habitat and ecological notes are listed for each species. The morphology, behaviour and distributional patterns are specially discussed for a number of species. Certain specimens of Holothuria sp. cf. mammata, Arbaciella elegans, and Brissopsis aff. mediterranea are described in detail and illustrated. It is concluded that echinofauna of the Mljet National Park is less diverse in comparison to that in some other Adriatic Sea areas.

Echinodermata; National Park; Mljet Island; Adriatic Sea; zoogeography

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