Fish distribution in Ranggeh and Batang Air Stream, Tanjung Raya, Agam District, West Sumatra Province

Abstract

Abstract Ranggeh and Batang Air Stream are two inlets of the entire channels of Lake Maninjau which are located on the southeast side of the lake with some different. Therefore, this study aims to assess fish distribution along Ranggeh and Batang Air Stream. Sampling was carried out in February, March, April and June 2019 at five stations in the Ranggeh Stream and three stations in the Batang Air Stream representing the upper section, middle section and lower section. The fish samples were caught using a scoop net and trap. Also, several parameters of water quality such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, conductivity, current, and discharge were measured in situ. Fish were morphologically identified and measured followed by statistical analysis. A total of 11 fish species were found in Ranggeh Stream, namely Aplocheilus panchax, flower horn, Gobiopterus brachypterus, Homaloptera gymnogaster, Nemacheilus chrysolaimos, Oreochromis niloticus, Osteochilus vittatus, Poecilia reticulata, Puntius binotatus, Rasbora maninjau, and Tor sp. Furthermore, five fish species were found in Batang Air Stream namely Homaloptera gymnogaster, Nemacheilus chrysolaimos, Oreochromis niloticus, Poecilia reticulata, and Rasbora maninjau. The highest number of fish species was found in the lower section of Ranggeh Stream. Homaloptera gymnogaster is a species with a minimal habitat where only found in the upper part of both streams. Water temperature and dissolved oxygen were significantly different between the upper and lower part of Ranggeh Stream. It is recommended to conserve mainly the Ranggeh Stream due to its higher fish richness through restoration act along the stream and protect the upper section as habitat for protected fish species namely Homaloptera gymnogaster.