Fish biodiversity in false gharial habitat (Tomistoma schlegelii Müller, 1838) in Labuhan Batu district

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to determine the fish biodiversity in the False Gharial (Tomistoma schlegelii) habitat at Aek Kundur, Labuhanbatu District. This research was conducted from February to April 2019. The sampling locations was determined based on information from local people. Fish samples were caught using gillnets, fishing rods, and durung (trap). The sampling was done one time every month for three months at three sampling stations. The diversity index (H'), Evenness index (J') and similarity index (SI) were analyzed in this study. The results showed that the highest number of fish caught was Anumalura oxygaster (188 individuals) and the lowest number of fish was Monopterus albus (1 individual). The highest diversity index (H') value was at station 1 (2.224) and the lowest at station 2 (2.202) categorized as medium level. The evenness index value at station 1 was 0.867, station 2 was 0.856 and station 3 was 0.826, indicate the high evenness. While the highest Similarity Index (SI) was found at stations 3 and 1 (90%) and the lowest SI was recorded at stations 2 and 3 (80%). It is concluded that the diversity index value in Aek Kundur is categorized as medium level. The Evennes index value is categorized as high uniformity of population, and the fish community was in stable condition.