Shallow-Water Holothuroids (Echinodermata) of Yap, Federated States of Micronesia

Abstract

In December 2002, July 2007, and December 2009, we surveyed the sea cucumber fauna of the western Caroline Island of Yap (Federated States of Micronesia). We collected 37 species of holothuroids, including 32 species of aspidochirotes and five species of apodans. We found all 13 of the previously reported species and 24 new records for the Islands: 19 aspidochirotes and five apodans. At least two of the new records appear to be previously undescribed species. Types of microhabitats and reef zonation were closely correlated with the species distributions of Yapese holothuroids.