Population Dynamics of Echinometra mathaei (Echinoidea: Echinodermata) Found on Buleji, Pakistan, North Arabian Sea
Population Dynamics of Echinometra mathaei (Echinoidea: Echinodermata) Found on Buleji, Pakistan, North Arabian Sea
Saima Siddique1* and Zarrien Ayub2
ABSTRACT
The population structure of Echinometra mathaei was studied monthly from May 2011 to November 2012 at a rocky shore of Buleji, Pakistan, Northern Arabian Sea. The test diameter and total weight showed significant temporal variations. The test diameter/wet weight and test height/wet weight relationships followed negative allometry while test height/test diameter showed an isometric relationship. Length-frequency distribution analysis was bimodal in different seasons with the exception of three modes in summer’2012 and one mode in autumn’2012. Estimated parameters of the von Bertalanffy growth functions include growth coeffient (K) = 0.48 year-1, theoretical asymptotic maximum size (TD∞) = 8.2 cm and hypothetical age at length zero (t0)= -0.55 year. The longevity was calculated to be 5.7 years. The natural mortality coefficient was found to be 1.584 year-1. Further detailed studies on biological/ecological parameters of E. mathaei are needed for better understanding and management of this species in Northern Arabian Sea.
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April 2021
Vol. 53, Iss. 2, Pages 401-800
