Contribution to the knowledge of echinoid fauna from Persian Gulf (Echinodermata: Echinoidea)

Abstract

Species identification is always important. Records of sea urchins and sand dollars species ‎‎(Echinodermata, Echinoidea) is given from Iranian waters. Nine Species of Echinoderms were ‎identified through the study. The species identification was made using morphological ‎characteristics and review of checklist key. Nine species were identified here, including ‎Echinometra mathaei, Prionocidaris baculosa, Temnopleurus toreumaticus, Echinothrix ‎calamaris, Clypeaster humilis, Echinodiscus auritus, Diadema setosum, Diadema savignyi and ‎Parasalenia gratiosa of which three species namely Echinothrix calamaris, Diadema savignyi ‎and Parasalenia gratiosa were new records to Persian Gulf.‎