UPAYA KONSERVASI IKAN BETTA CF. CRASENS DI BANGKA BARAT MELALUI ANALISIS MORFOMETRIK DAN MERISTIK

The Bangka Belitung Archipelago is rich in biodiversity, including endemic fish such as Betta cf. crasens, commonly known as "Tepalak" or "Tempalak." This study aims to identify the morphological, morphometric, and meristic characteristics of Betta cf. crasens as a preliminary step for domestication and conservation of local species. Samples were collected from the freshwater waters of Jebus, Bangka Barat, using a quantitative descriptive method. Results showed that this fish has a compressed body shape, terminal mouth, and pointed tail fin. Morphometric measurements included 15 characteristics, with an average total length of 5.75 mm. Meristic analysis revealed fin ray formulas, including C.XIII for the tail fin and D.VIII for the dorsal fin. These findings provide a critical foundation for the sustainable management of Betta cf. crasens and further research development.