Biodiversity of Coral Fish in Bontang Waters, East Kalimantan, Indonesia

Abstract

Bontang sea waters is a part of Coral Triangle. Information and data on the coral fish community in that waters are still a few, therefore this study aimed to identify the species composition and structure of the coral fish community in the study area. Data collection performed using visual census method in the area of Kedindingan island, Melahing island, and Gusung Sapa Segajah. The fish were observed for species and abundance in the depth range from 4m-6m. In total, 1.162 of coral fish has been found in this study, consisted of 228 species from 21 families. Among them, there were 33 species of target fish (consumable), 80 species of Major fish (ornament), and 14 species of indicator fish from family Chaetodontidae. Biodiversity index (H’) ranges from 2,29 to 3,02. Similarity index (E) ranges between 0,60 to 0,84. Dominance index (C) ranges between 0,08 to 0,25.