Phylogenetic Analysis of Endemic Fish from the Maros Karst Region, South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract

The Maros Karst is known for having a unique geomorphological structure with a diversity of endemic flora and fauna. The hydrology of this karst area is generally dominated by underground rivers with various freshwater ecosystems, which are generally dominated by endemic fish typical to Sulawesi. This study aims at identifying endemic fish of Maros Karst rivers using morphological and phylogenetic analysis as the baseline for further endemic fish conservation. Morphological analysis was done by comparing fish samples’ morphological characteristics with those from fish taxonomy references. Phylogenetic analysis was carried out using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis with the target gene Cytochrome C oxidase 1 (CO1). The results showed there are five endemic fish species from four families and three orders from the Maros Karst area with a genetic distance value between 0.0 to 0.275. These species make particular adaptations both morphologically and genetically to the karst ecosystem. However, it is necessary to understand the evolution of these fishes to establish effective conservation measures. Therefore, it is necessary to have a management strategy to ensure the sustainability of endemic fish populations and as well as the sustainability of the karst ecosystem as a whole. © 2021 Friends Science Publishers

Combining eDNA metabarcoding and conventional method in rapid screening of fish diversity in Maros-Pangkep Global Geopark, South Sulawesi, Indonesia

“…Two endemic fish out of five species that have been published (Omar et al 2021) were successfully screened in this study. O. celebensis were detected using both methods, while M. ladigesi was only retrieved by gillnetting since eDNA failed to detect them despite being abundant in the water when sampling was done.…”

“…These global circumstances are not only happening in a certain region but could also potentially exist in some rivers in the Maros-Pangkep karst landscape. Therefore, regarding freshwater fish, the region's main rivers have been reported to be home to at least 18 fish species which 5 species among them are endemic (Nur et al 2019;Omar et al 2021). The deteriorated ecological condition in the rivers within the landscape can potentially be observed and eventually affect the biota if further preventive measures are not taken.…”