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DNA Barcoding Reveals Larval Fish Diversity and Distribution Along the Cibareno River (West Java, Indonesia)

Arif Wibowo, Andi Chadijah, Kurniawan Kurniawan, Vitas Prakoso , Dwi Atminarso , Deni Irawan, Fathur Rochman , Septiana Astuti, Indah Surbani, Tri Deniansen, Imron Rosadi, Yohannes Yudha, Sudarsono Sudarsono, Lee Baumgartner, Nicolas Hubert , Ivor Stuart

Abstract

Context. Understanding freshwater fish larval ecology provides insight into reproduction, migration and recruiting success. Aims. To assess fish larval biodiversity based on DNA barcoding, abundance and its distribution pattern in the Cibareno River. Methods. Fish larvae were collected at six locations in the Cibareno River. The larvae were identified via DNA barcoding. Key results. A notable disparity was seen in the distribution of larval abundance in different locations. The non-native species, Poecilia reticulata, was the most abundant larval species, with an intraspecific diversity of 0.003 (99.7% similarity). The upstream area exhibited a lower level of larval species diversity compared to the downstream area. Conclusions. Genetic identification can reliably identify fish larvae and determine their spatial riverside distribution in the Cibareno River. The preservation of connectivity maintains fish community integrity and diversity between upstream and downstream locations in the weir building plan. Implications. This discovery emphasizes the relevance of larval identification in fish biodiversity assessment and sustainable fisheries resource monitoring.

MF24236  Accepted 08 January 2025

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