Morphological characteristics of sea cucumbers (Holothuroidea) from Socah Waters, Bangkalan, Madura

Abstract

Sea cucumbers belong to the Phylum Echinodermata with unique and diverse body shape. At the organism level, phenotype is an attribute or characteristic that can be seen, observed, or measured. The study of morphological characteristics in sea cucumbers in the Socah Waters of Bangkalan, Madura is necessary to obtain specific morphological data for different sea cucumber species, allowing us to recognize the distinctive features of each sea cucumber species in the Socah Waters, Bangkalan Regency, Madura. Morphological and morphometric data of a biota that will be used to determine the type and name of the species are preliminary data that are useful for reference in further research. However, of course, in order to determine the type and name of the species more accurately, it should be followed by genetic identification. The method employed in this research was survey method and random sampling techniques to collected various sea cucumber species from the waters. The measurement was conducted on each sea cucumber species, including total length measured from the anterior to the posterior, color, shape, and body patterns. The result showed that the Phyllophorus sp. has a round shape with a body size ranging from 3 to 8 cm, black in color, and small brown spots covering its entire body. The Colochirus sp. has an elongated shape with a body length of 6 to 10 cm, displaying a distinct red and orange body color and a body pattern consisting of ridges with papillae along these ridges. The red sea cucumber also possesses tentacles. The Paracaudina australis has an elongated shape with a transparent white body, featuring white and pinkish-red line patterns. In addition, data of the demographics of sea cucumber fishermen including age, level of education, length of experience, and the purpose of using sea cucumbers, is also needed as a reference for future studies. Knowledge of the demographics of fishermen is also needed to find the suitable method if in the future we will conduct socialization, training, or community service.