Two sea cucumber species (Holothuria bacilli and H. insignis): first record from the Persian Gulf

Abstract

In this paper, we record the occurrence for the first time of two sea cucumber species from the Persian Gulf (Hormuz Island). Sea cucumber samples were collected in the sub-tidal zone of the island during low tide. Species identification was accomplished using morphological keys and a review of their ossicles. The collected specimens provide evidence thatHolothuria bacilliandHolothuria insignisare present in the Persian Gulf waters.