Spawning Habitat Of Telmatherina Sarasinorum (Family: Telmatherinidae) In Lake Matano [Habitat Pemijahan Ikan Telmatherina Sarasinorum (Famili: Telmatherinidae) di Danau Matano]

Abstract

A study on habitat of Telmatherina sarasinorum was conducted in Lake Matano. An underwater observation on the fish habitat was performed to allow description on habitat while investigating its reproductive behaviour. There were two types of spawning habitat on the fish observed. The first was shallow beach with flat contour and bottom covered by cobble and little sand in between which was located in littoral area with trees on the lake sides. The second was deeper water with steeper bottom which has hanging down roots and fallen down stems and twigs of any trees covered by alga. In the two habitats the fish prefers shading places provided by any trees existing on the lake sides as spawning sites. The fish was not observed spawn in places covered by dense cobbles and open waters exposed directly to sunlight. Such a habitat specialist becomes important factor needed to be taken into account in the attempts to conserve the fish and its habitat in Lake Matano. Maintaining the existence of spawning habitat through protecting the presence of terrestrial vegetation surrounding the lake is important key for conservation of the fish and its habitat