Dataset on: Records of sea star (Echinodermata, Asteroidea) diversity in a disturbed tropical seagrass meadow

This study aims to record the sea star distribution in seagrass meadows within Sungai Pulai estuary (Johor, Malaysia) that is under pressure from coastal modification activities. The sampling sites were Merambong Shoal, Tanjung Adang Shoal, Tanjung Bin and Sungai Duku. From January 2016 to March 2018, we surveyed the areas to provide an inventory of sea star species sighted during the lowest tides. A total of seven species were observed, with Merambong Shoal having the highest number of species (seven species) while Sungai Duku and Tanjung Bin had the lowest (one species). We report the first sighting of Astropecten vappa in the area. Combined with past studies, there are now a total of eight sea star species in this area. As baseline records, our findings for the sea star community are applicable to the management of the seagrass habitat and help to create awareness of sea star diversity in the area.