The first record of the Apodid sea cucumber Polycheira rufescens (Brandt, 1835) (Holothuroidea: Chiridotidae) from the Andaman Sea, Thailand

Arom Mucharin; Ratchaneewarn Sumitrakij

Authors

Arom Mucharin National Science Museum, Technopolis, Khlong 5, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120 Thailand
Ratchaneewarn Sumitrakij National Science Museum, Technopolis, Khlong 5, Khlong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120 Thailand

Keywords:

Holothuroidea, Polycheira rufescens, Ko Chang, Mu Ko Ranong National Park, Andaman Sea, Thailand

Abstract

The holothuroid Polycheira refuscens (Brandt, 1835) is here reported for the first time in the Andaman Sea, Thailand and for the second time after being first recorded 120 years ago in the sea off Ko Lom, Mu Ko Chang, Trat Province, Gulf of Thailand. Its presence is recorded at Ao Sead, Ko Chang, Mu Ko Ranong National Park, Ranong Province, Andaman Sea, Thailand. Individuals were found under rocks on the rocky shore at low tide. There were 18 peltate-digitate tentacles, each with 10–15 pairs of free digits and the body wall contained rods and wheels with 6-spokes which have a finely serrated inner rim. These are the distinctive characteristics of the species.

References

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