EQUINODERMOS DEL PARQUE NACIONAL NATURAL ENSENADA DE UTRIA (PACIFICO COLOMBIANO)

Abstract

Fifteen species of echinoderms (5 asteroids, 5 echinoids and 5 ophiuroids) are reported for Natural National Park Ensenada deUtria in the Pacific coast of Chocó, Colombia. For each species, we report its size and ecological observations. Two species, Mithrodia bradleyi and Encope ecuadorensis are new records for the Colombian Pacific coast and are described shortly., Most of the echinoderms found were associated to rocky shores, coral reef and sometimes sandy shores, except Ophiothríx spicuiata and Ophiactis savignyi, which were found living in association with the gorgonia Lophogorgia alba. Hesperocidaris asteriscus and Centrostephanus coronatus live in holes in coral or rock. These are mainly intertidal or shallow subtidal species.