Ichthyoplankton composition and distribution in Kilwaru Waters, East Seram Regency, Maluku Province

Ichthyoplankton play an important role in marine ecosystem dynamics and their relationship to conservation. This study aims to investigate the abundance and composition of ichthyoplankton in Kilwaru waters. Sampling was conducted in the morning at seven stations by towing at a boat speed of approximately two knots. Ichthyoplankton were collected using a bongo net with a mesh size of 500 µm and were carried out simultaneously with the measurement of hydrological parameters. The results found A total of 620 fish larvae from 24 families with abundances ranging from 45 to 2210 ind/10 3 m 3 with an average of 564 ind/10 3 m 3 . The highest abundance was observed at Station 2, where the lowest was at Station 6. Mullidae and Carangidae had the widest distribution, with 100% habitat coverage. The diversity index was 0.98, the dominance index was 0.15, and the evenness index was 0.21. The highest diversity was observed at station 2, where as the highest evenness was observed at station 6. Approximately 81% of the ichthyoplankton were found in the preflexion stage, followed by postflexion 13% and flexion 6.1%. The mean values for hydrological parameters such as temperature were 28.9°C, pH 8.1, dissolved oxygen 5.8 mg/l, and salinity 30.3 ppt. The findings of this study indicate that the Kilwaru waters are spawning grounds.