Habitat Characteristics of Matano medaka (Oryzias matanensis Aurich, 1935) in Lake Towuti, South Sulawesi.
Athira Rinandha Eragradini1*, Sharifuddin Bin Andy Omar2, Joeharnani Tresnati2, Dewi Yanuarita2

1 Graduate School, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia.
*athirarinandha[at]unhas.ac.id
2 Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Marine Sciences and Fisheries, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia.

Abstract

Lake Towuti, one of the ancient lakes, is the second largest freshwater lake after Lake Toba. One of the endemic fish that live in Lake Towuti is the Matano Medaka fish (Oryzias matanensis Aurich, 1935). Due to several human activities, Lake Towuti is in danger of declining, which could have an impact on the fish habitat. The aim of this study is to identify the habitat characteristics of Oryzias matanensis in Lake Towuti. The data collected in this study includes temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and aquatic plants. Sampling was carried out in the morning, starting at 8:00 WITA and ending at 11:00 WITA at two different stations. Station selection was carried out based on differences in habitat, the presence of aquatic plants, and the presence of fish samples. Habitat characteristics at station one are marked by the number of water plants with the basic substrate types of sand, mud, and stones. In contrast, at station 2, it is characterized by the absence of water plants and the basic substrate types of sand, rock, and gravel. Ecological aspects, including water physics and chemistry parameters, did not experience large fluctuations during the study period. The water conditions at each research station were not significantly different, so the water conditions were still good and supported the Oryzias matanensis life in Lake Towuti.

Keywords: Habitat Characteristics, Oryzias matanensis, Lake Towuti

Topic: Aquatic Ecology and Conservation