Diversity and zoochemical properties of sea cucumber (Class Holothuria) species in the shallow water of Brgy. Culat, Casiguran, Aurora, Philippines
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Date
2019
Authors
Crystal Kaye M. Linsangan
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Abstract
This study was conducted to assess the diversity and zoochemical properties of sea cucumber collected in the area. Modified quadrat method guided by transect lines was used to survey the area. Population indices of the sea cucumber species and environmental condition in the area such as temperature, salinity and pH were determined. Methanol was used as extraction solvent and Thin Layer Chromatography method (TLC) was used in evaluation of zoochemical properties.
Four species were collected and identified as Holothuria leucospilota, Actinopyga echinites. Stichopus horrens and Synapta maculata with a total of 68 individuals. H. leucospilota was the most occurring species with a total number of individuals respectively. However, S. maculata had the least number of individuals with only 2. H. leucospilota had the highest frequency with 66.67%, while S. maculata had the lowest frequency of 3.03%. Also H. leucospilota was the most dominant in the area with a computed value of 71.00%. The computed diversity index (H') of the area was 0.88 which is considered very low. Zoochemical screening showed that the methanol extract of the samples have different metabolites such as tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids and terpenoids.