The population and habitat of mungkus fish (Sicyopterus cynocephalus) in Bengkenang Waters South of Bengkulu

Abstract

Sicyopterus cynocephalus is a high-value consumption and is one of the freshwater fish species with special characteristics. It has united belly fins forming a sucking disk to attach it self to its position in a fast-current river with rocky substrate. The habitat of mungkus is currently threatened due to the decreasing environmental quality and productivity caused by pollution of household waste, siltation of the river, fishing with forbidden equipment and the high demand for mungkus meat. This report aims to determine structure of population and habitat of mungkus in waters Bengkenang and Nelengau rivers, South of Bengkulu using catched method per unit of effort with four stations. The results showed that 115 mungkus, consist of 37 males, 78 females. Meanwile, it was shown that three mungkus habitat types; the most favored one is rocky waters with the heavy current, the water quality was suitable for living of mungkus fish. It is expected that the results of this study can be used as a first step to support the success of the process of ex-situ conservation of mungkus fish through domestication activities.