Water Quality in the Habitat of Sembilang Fish (Plotosus canius) in the Estuary of Langsa City

Abstract

Sembilang Fish (Plotosus canius) is one of the fish found in estuarine waters, and it's quite popular with the community. Excessive fishing by the community causes the habitat of sembilang fish to be threatened to decrease. The purpose of this study was to determine the water quality and examine the environmental conditions of sembilang fish in the dry season and rainy season in the estuary waters of Langsa City as the basis for domestication. This study used a descriptive method by collecting water quality data at 3 research stations and collecting fish data that was taken from fishermen's catches in Langsa estuary waters. The results showed that the water quality parameters observed in the dry season and rainy season in the estuary were still in decent condition for the life and existence of sembilang fish. Season greatly affects the body weight of both male and female fish. In the dry season, the female weight ranges from 120–220 g and the male 120–240 g, while in the rainy season, the female weight ranges from 134-572 g and the male 136–260 g.