Asteroidea in the Timbul Bone Labunta Sand Waters, Buton Tengah, Southeast Sulawesi

Abstract

This study aims to determine the community structure of starfish (Asteroidea) at three observation stations, namely sandy substrate, sandy substrate dominated by seagrass, and sandy substrate dominated by coral reefs in Pasir Timbul Bone Labunta waters. Sampling was carried out in April-May 2023. The indicators in this study are the species abundance index, diversity index, uniformity index, and dominance index. This type of research is a type of quantitative descriptive research. Determination of stations using purposive sampling technique, namely sampling based on substrate conditions and the presence of starfish (Asteroidea). The results of data analysis are presented in the form of figures and tables. The results showed that there were 4 species of starfish in the Asteroidea class, namely Protoreaster nodosus, Linckia laevigata, Archaster typicus, and Culcita novaeguineae. The diversity index at all observation stations showed a moderate category. The uniformity index at all observation stations shows a high category. The dominance index of Protoreaster nodosus, Linckia laevigata, Archaster typicus, and Culcita novaeguineae at all stations showed a moderate category.