A total of 225 specimens - representing three orders, four families, 12 genera, 44 species and one variety - collected in the shallow-waters of Kenya and Pemba Island (Tanzania) - are investigated. Bohadschia cousteaui, B. similis, Holothuria (Metriatyla) albiventer; Pearsonothuria graeffei, Thelenota anax, Euapta godeffioyi, Opheodesoma grisea, 0. spectabilis and Synaptula recta are new records for Kenya and from Pemba Island (Tanzania). H. (M) timana is a new record for the western Indian Ocean. Diagnostic characters and descriptions (including some brief notes on the ecology) are given for most species. Identification keys up to the species level are also included. The results are compared to the shallow-water holothuroid biodiversity of the western Indian Ocean. This study stresses the richness of the holothuroid biodiversity of Kenya and Pemba Island. The holothuroid fauna of Kenya (with Pemba Island) is now represented by 48 species.

Peer Review, PDF available