o_19ko2dt161ng2j4e1tgnoqv1s45a.pdf

A. AHMAD & A.R. KHAIRUL-ADHA (2007)
STATUS OF BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY IN MALAYSIA &
THREAT ASSESSMENT OF PLANT SPECIES IN MALAYSIA
STATE OF KNOWLEDGE ON FRESHWATER
FISHES OF MALAYSIA
1
A. Ahmad & 2 A.R. Khairul-Adha
ABSTRACT
Freshwater fishes of Malaysia are diverse and inhabit a great variety of habitats ranging from
small torrential streams to estuarine, highly acidic ecosystems and alkaline waters. Several
species are endemic. Currently, there are about 280 species of freshwater fishes in Peninsular
Malaysia, with more than 100 and 200 species reported from Sabah and Sarawak, respectively.
The figures for Sabah and Sarawak are believed to be underestimates as the two states are
poorly inventoried. In Peninsular Malaysia research on freshwater fishes is already established
while in Sabah and Sarawak, the research is actively picking up in pace. Unlike Sabah, the
fishes of Sarawak have never been the subject of any major research endeavor. Focus was
given to major rivers in the state and many isolated and inland water bodies were left unexplored.
In general, the fish diversity reported from Peninsular Malaysia reflects the peninsula’s close
similarity with mainland Asiatic icthyofauna and the Sundaic component. The lack of research
coordination, funding and local variations in regulation hamper efforts to bring together all
collections into one repository centre. This issue requires urgent attention.
INTRODUCTION
Land development has altered the landscape as well as the aquatic ecosystems in many parts
of Malaysia. Conversion of an intact forest has resulted in a loss of fish habitats in the country.
These losses are almost always permanent and recovery, if taking place, will probably take
many years and even so, does not restore the original diversity. Freshwater fishes of Malaysia
are diverse and interesting but the knowledge is rather unsatisfactory and varies greatly in
Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak.
Freshwater fishes inhabit a great variety of habitats ranging from small torrential streams to
estuarine habitats, with several species flourishing in highly acidic ecosystems of peat swamps
and acid-water freshwater swamps. There are some species that thrive in both acidic and
alkaline waters. Several species are endemic and their distribution are restricted to small areas,
1
Freshwater Ecosystem Research Unit (UPEAT), Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and
Technology, University College of Science and Technology Malaysia (KUSTEM), 21030 Kuala Terengganu,
Terengganu; amirrudin@kustem.edu.my
2
Faculty of Resources Science & Technology, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Dept. of Aquatic Sciences, 94300 Kota
Samarahan, Sarawak; akhairul@frst.unimas.my
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