Diversity, distribution and conservation status of the world’s smallest fish, Paedocypris progenetica

Abstract

Paedocypris progenetica, the smallest fish in the world and recorded as Near Threatened by the IUCN Red List due to a large population declined. This condition caused survival threats on the population of Paedocypris. Thus, the objective of this study is to examine the species of Paedocypris in the selected peat swamp area based on their diversity, distribution, and conservation status. A total of 66 individuals were collected from February 2019 to September 2021 from three out of four selected sampling area, comprising of two species namely Paedocypris progenetica (TL: 6.63-12.50 mm) and Paedocypris mircromegethes (TL: 8.89-10.60 mm). The results displayed that P. progenetica was found at two sampling locations and dsitinguished the greater in local distribution (LD) which is 50% followed by P. micromgethes (25%) represented the lowest distribution. Moreover, parameter measurements (in situ) of water quality in the blackwater peat swamp revealed temperatures ranging from 23°C to 25.3°C while pH between 4.0-6.9. The population trend for Paedocypris genus is declining due to continuing loss and degradation of blackwater peat swamp habitat which is considered to be the greatest threat.