Distribution and Habitat Characteristics Of Endemic Fish Bilih (Mystacoleucus padangensis Blkr.) In Lake Singkarak, West Sumatra

Lake Singkarak is one of the volcanic lakes in Solok Regency, West Sumatra Province. Bilih (Mystacoleucus padangensis) is an endemic fish species and has important economic value in Lake Singkarak. Concerning will be occured degradation of the fish population in nature due to change of environment and intensive fishing. The aim of this research to obtain information on distribution and habitat characteristics of endemic fish Bilih in Lake Singkarak on May 2021. The fish captured with experimental gillnet mesh size 0.625; 0.75; and 1.0 inches at four stations. The number of Bilih fish caught during the study was 521 fish, most were found at Sumani station was 332 fish with a grain value of 45% sand, 37% silt, and 18% clay. The highest average length of male and female Bilih were 77.9 and 80.7 mm, and the highest average weight size of male and female fish was 41 and 46 mg, respectively, which was found at Sumani station. The highest GMS IV Bilih were found at Sumani station and at Paninggahan station dominated GMS III. The length and weight of male Bilih in GMS IV were the highest at 77.3 mm and 42 mg as well as female Bilih in GMS IV were at 80.6 mm and 46 mg at Sumani station. Bilih are distributed in all stations in the waters of Lake Singkarak. In general, the measurement results of water quality in Lake Singkarak during the study ranged from 27.87 – 28.91 °C for temperature, pH 8.59 – 9.24, Dissolved Oxygen ranged from 4.56 – 7.02 mg/L, Oxidation Reduction Potential ranged 30 – 155 mV, Conductivity ranges from 0.137 – 0.145 mS/Cm, Total Dissolved Solid ranges from 0.089 – 0.093 mg/L and the Sechi depth ranges from 2.27 – 3.78 meters.