Abstract:
Asteroidea are regarded as important inhabitants of the manne benthic
environment. Research on the distribution and biodiversity of Asteroidea receives little
attention in Malaysia This present study was conducted to determine the species of
Asteroidea; population size and substrate preference of Asteroidea in Bidong Island.
Three species of asteroid starfish; Acanthaster planci, Culcita novaeguineae and Fromia
milleporella were recorded in the water of Bidong Island. Acanthaster planci was the
most abundant species of asteroid starfish found in Bidong Island which occurred mostly
at the coral reef substratum while Culcita novaeguineae and Fromia milleporella were
found to be associated with sandy substratum. Coral reef area at the depth of six meters
has recorded the highest mean population density of 0.016±0.011 ind/m2 followed by the
sandy area at the depth of 13 meters which has the population density of 0.012±0.004
ind/m2 • Coral rubble area at the depth of four meters recorded the lowest mean population
density of 0.004±0.003 ind/m2 • Food availability, types of substrate and depth were
responsible for the variation in the population density of Asteroidea between sites.
Acanthaster p/anci was found to shown high preference for Acropora branching,
Acropora digitate and Acropora tabulate. Similarly, Culcita novaeguineae has also
exhibited a strong preference for Acropora branching. Meanwhile, Fromia milleporel/a
strongly prefers the sandy substratum. Preference for a particular substrate can mainly be
linked to their feeding behaviors