This research group focuses on investigating biology of aquatic organisms and their relationships with environments to better inform scientific understanding and management of biodiversity. We work on aquatic organisms ranging from microbes to shellfishes and fishes, and aquatic ecosystems as diverse as freshwater, brackish water, coastal and terrestrial areas.

E) Breeding and larval rearing of Puntioplites bulu in Sarawak, Malaysia

Introduction:

Tenggalan or known as Puntioplites bulu is a freshwater, benthopelagic species which are naturally found throughout Southeast Asia including Indonesia (Kalimantan), Malaysia (Perak, Pahang, Kelantan, Johor, and Sarawak), Brunei, and peninsular Thailand (Ambak et al., 2010). This tropical species can reach 44.3 cm in total length with weight of1.1 kg. It has serrated anal-fin spine, patches of darkened scale base, with oblique cross bands. Inhabiting midwater to bottom of large lowland rivers and lakes. Tenggalan moved into flooded forests when water levels are high and feed mainly on submerged plants as well as filamentous algae, insects, crustaceans and small fishes found in large lowland rivers and lakes including streams and coastal rivers (Allen, 2011). Tenggalan is a commercially important and sought after by anglers and fishermen (Ambak et al., 2010) with price of RM 30–50/kg. In Sarawak, Tenggalan was the highest price as compared to Peninsular Malaysia price (RM 100/kg). Tenggalan was recorded (FishBase, 2020) located from the Danum Valley, Kuamut headwaters and Rajang Basin (Borneo). The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red listed showed data deficient on this species. This species extant in Brunei, Indonesia (Kalimantan), Malaysia (Sarawak, Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah); Thailand and extinct in Cambodia (IUCN access on February, 2020). Nevertheless, in recent years, this species is at risk due to fishing pressure and habitat degradation, resulted from intensive development activities (Allen, 2011). Tenggalan landing should be regulated, in order to do this, a study on the stock structure of this species is essential. The distribution status of Tenggalan has been reported by Zarul et al. in 2012. Grant Scheme (Project No GP-IPM/2020/9684600).

Pictures:

For more further enquiries:

Dr. Mohamad Faizul Bin Mat Isa
Senior Lecturer
Department of Animal Science and Fisheries
Faculty of Agricultural Science and Forestry
Tel: +6086 8558381
Email: mfaizul@upm.edu.my

Updated:: 07/09/2020 [lanz]