Population Ecology of the Intertidal Sea Star Asterina Burtoni Gray (Asreroidea: Echinodermata) In the Wakrah Bay, South East Of Qatar

Abstract

The abundance, distribution and population age structure of the sea star Asterina burtoni Gray were investigated in the intertidal area of the Wakrah Bay, South East Qatar Peninsula from October, 1993 to January, 1994. The estimated density of the sea star was about 2.2 per m2 and a clear habitat preference was recorded for the juveniles and adult sea stars. Analysis of the population age structure was carried out using three different parameters; arm length, body wall (evacurated body) dry weight and total body dry weight. This analysis indicated the presence of at least 4 year classes 1+, 2+ , 3+ and 4+ in addition to a new recurit representing the 0+ year class entered the population during November, 1993. The mean arm lenghth, mean body wall dry weight and mean total body dry weights for each year class were also estimated.