Biodiversity of asteroidea in Bidong Island

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