plSSN : 0374-8111 | elSSN : 2287-8815
plSSN : 0374-8111 | elSSN : 2287-8815
plSSN : 0374-8111elSSN : 2287-8815
Distribution and Growth of the Sea Cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus)under Seasonal Temperature Change
황성일·전병현1·박춘탁1·최석진1*
(주)수중생태기술연구소, 1(유)씨캠
The distribution and habitat use of the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus in relation to seasonal changes in bottom water temperature were investigated in nursery grounds located in the Jinchon and Yeonji areas of Baengnyeongdo, Korea. During the study period, the water quality index (WQI) was classified as Grade I at both sites, and bottom water temperatures ranged from 11.0 to 20.2°C. A total of 348 and 309 individuals were observed in Jinchon and Yeonji, respectively. The lowest combined abundance across both sites occurred in September, whereas the highest abundance at both sites was recorded in December. Mean total length and wet weight were 15.3 cm and 143.81 g in Jinchon, and 14.6 cm and 118.92 g in Yeonji, respectively. During periods of elevated water temperature, most individuals were found beneath natural stones, artificial reefs, and within bedrock crevices. In contrast, under lower temperatures, their distribution expanded to exposed stone surfaces, mixed-sediment areas around artificial structures, and shallower depths. These findings indicate that natural stone-based habitats provide important refuges for A. japonicus. Therefore, habitat management strategies should consider seasonal temperature variation and temperaturedependent sheltering behavior.
Apostichopus japonicus, Sea cucumber, Aestivation, Habitat structure, Natural stone habitat