A note on Gobiidae from some rivers in Luwuk Banggai, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract

Luwuk Banggai in Central Sulawesi Province, Indonesia, is a part of Sulawesi Island in the Wallacea Region with many rivers. These rivers host a high diversity of aquatic species, but this diversity is poorly known. This calls for taxonomic exploration, in particular for the fishes belonging to the Order Gobioidei, commonly called gobies. This study aimed to identify gobies present in rivers Luwuk Banggai, both as a contribution to scientific knowledge on goby biodiversity and distribution and to inform the management of (hitherto unregulated) aquatic resources by the local government agencies involved. The establishment of effective, science-based management is especially important and urgent for those gobies which have economic potential, in particular as freshwater ornamental commodities. The study was conducted from January to July 2019 in several Luwuk Banggai rivers: Mendono River, Mendono Village; Koyoan River; Simpong River; Soho River; Biak River; Honduhon River; Matanyo River; and Salodik River. The specimens obtained (n = 203) were measured and identified based on species-specific characteristics. Species belonging to the Family Gobiidae were more abundant (161 individuals from 20 species) than those in the Family Eleotridae (42 individuals from 6 species). One species commonly found in these rivers was Lentipes mekonggaensis (30 individuals).