Inventarisasi Spesies Echinodermata di Pantai Kondang Merak

Abstract

The coastal ecosystem is one of the ecosystems with high biodiversity and serves as a habitat for various marine organisms, including Echinoderms. The phylum Echinodermata plays an important role in maintaining the balance of coastal ecosystems, but information regarding the presence and distribution of Echinoderm species at Kondang Merak Beach is still limited. This study aims to identify Echinoderm species, determine their distribution in the coastal zone, and document the biodiversity of Echinoderms at Kondang Merak Beach, Sumberbening Village, Bantur District, Malang Regency, East Java. The study was conducted on April 26, 2026, from 06:00 to 11:00 WIB in the intertidal zone of Kondang Merak Beach. Data collection was initially designed using the transect and quadrat method, with a 100 m transect line and 1 × 1 m quadrats. However, due to sub-optimal tidal conditions, low Echinoderm abundance, and high tourist activity, the observation was shifted to a roaming survey to obtain more representative data. Identification was carried out based on morphological characteristics and supported by field photographic documentation as well as taxonomic references. The results showed that three Echinoderm species were found, namely Stomopneustes variolaris from the class Echinoidea, Ophiocoma scolopendrina from the class Ophiuroidea, and Cenometra sp. from the class Crinoidea. The three species were found in intertidal habitats with different substrate characteristics and showed presence patterns related to habitat conditions, as well as the availability of shelter and food sources. The results of this inventory indicate that Kondang Merak Beach has potential Echinoderm biodiversity that needs to be documented and further studied as part of efforts to understand and manage coastal ecosystems.