Patterns in the distribution of holothurians across the central Great Barrier Reef

Updated: 2017-11-20

Surveys of the distribution of holothurians were conducted on 2 inshore reefs (Pandora and Phillips), 2 mid-shelf reefs (John Brewer and Rib) and two outer-shelf reefs (Myrmidon and Dip) during September/October 1982.On the inshore reefs a single reef zone was examined. For mid-shelf and outer-shelf reefs, three zones were sampled; the outer reef flat, the inner reef flat and the leeward bommies.Surveys were carried out at night at depths of Holothuria atra, Holothuria axiologa, Holothuria coluber, Holothuria difficilis, Holothuria edulis, Holothuria hilla, Holothuria impatiens, Holothuria leucospilota, Holothuria nobilis, Actinopyga lecanora, Actinopyga mauritiana, Actinopyga miliaris, Actinopyga obesa, Actinopyga serratidens, Stichopus chloronotus, Stichopus variegatus, Stichopus sp.1, Stichopus sp.2, Bohadachia argus, Bohadachia graeffei, Bohadachia marmorata, Thelenota anax, Euapta godeffroyi.Additional species identified adjacent to belt transects:Holothuria fuscocinerea, Holothuria paradalis, Stichopus horrens, Actinopyga echinites, Synaptula maculata, Thelenota ananas.