Study of density and diversity of benthic fauna at aquaculture area of Semerak and Dendong, Besut

Abstract

Samples of benthos and sediment collected at Semerak and Dendong aquaculture area were used to study the density and diversity of benthos and the alteration in species composition. Physico-chemical parameters such as water temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen and pH also were recorded. From the study, total density of benthos inhabited Semerak ranged between 202.29 individual/m 2 to 1262.08 individual/m 2 • Almost all stations were dominated by Annelida. Recorded indices were, Richness index, d =0.8548- 1.5465, Evenness index, J' =0.5636-0.8325 and Diversity index, H' =1.1829-1.842. Macrobenthos community at Dendong on the other hand ranged between 28.57 individual/m 2 to 188.82 individual/m 2 . The reference station showed higher value of total density and was dominated by Arthropoda. However the diversity was lower than impacted stations. Recorded indices were, d =0.6730-1.043, J' =0.2575-0.6855 and H' =0.4024-0.6171. The total density of meiobenthos showed higher density at reference station and totally dominated by Nematode.