Diversity and Abundance of Benthic Invertebrates on a Coral Reef and an Underwater Pinnacle at Ko Kut, Thailand
Keywords:
Benthic invertebrate, Coral reef, Diversity, Underwater pinnacleAbstract
Benthic invertebrates play a crucial role in coral reef ecosystems by contributing to the overall biodiversity and ecological balance. The presence and diversity of benthic invertebrates are often used as indicators of coral reef health, as they are sensitive to environmental changes. This study focuses on comparing the density and composition of benthic invertebrates from coral reef and an underwater pinnacle at Ko Kut, the Eastern Gulf of Thailand. The results showed that the density of benthic invertebrates at Hin Ao Salad (8.18 ± 2.66 individuals/m²) was significantly higher than at Ko Raet (3.21 ± 0.68 individuals/m²) (p < 0.05, t = 15.04). Moreover, the diversity of benthic invertebrates was also greater at Hin Ao Salad, with ten species identified, compared to six species at Ko Raet. Common species at both sites included Diadema setosum, Tridacna squamosa, Bequina semiorbiculata, Pedum spondyloidium, and Lamarcka ventricosa. Interestingly, Xestospongia sp., Spondylous sp., Drupella sp., and Phyllidia marindica were found only at Hin Ao Salad. The Shannon-Wiener index (H’) and Evenness index (J’) at Hin Ao Salad were higher, indicating greater biodiversity and a more balanced distribution of species compared to Ko Raet. This study also highlighted the presence of benthic invertebrates that could attract diving tourists, such as Xestospongia sp. and Phyllidia marindica. These findings underscore the ecological importance of Hin Ao Salad as a biodiversity hotspot and suggest that the coral reefs in this area could be valuable for conservation and sustainable marine tourism initiatives.
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