The study of diversity index on plankton community in Lematang River to determinate the quality of waters as habitat of local fishes

Abstract

The existence of plankton community in Lematang River is important for supplying diet nutrition to juvenile fishes. Based on study that had been done in Lematang River, there are relationship between the populations of several fishes with plankton diversities. Some activities which disturb the living of plankton are sand and stone mining. This activities have destroyed niche habitat for plankton and fishes. Additionally, other factor that lead to the damage are domestic and industrial wastes originated from Lahat and areas a longside Lematang River. According to this research, local fishes that could be found in upstream of Lematang River were Rasbora sp., Puntius sp., and Hampala sp. and etc. Diversities index of plankton communities on upstream was higher (more than 3,00) than those that on downstream (less than 3,00). Regulation to prohibit sand and stone mining are necessary to conserve niche habitat of Lematang River for plankton and local fishes.