Abstract:
Seven fish species from seven families are found during this study. The most common species found are Melanotaenia irianjaya (9/10 sites). No introduced species were found in any of the sites. Species richness ranged from 1-5 species per site and was highest in Aikrer Usem stream and Aisen stream. This difference between sites is partially attributed to position in order system and fishing effort. Higher order which is a combination of several creeks provided more diverse microhabitat than the lower ones, thus supporting higher fish diversity. A total of three species (42.9%) which endemic to southern Vogelkop Peninsular and northern Bomberai. Most of species are found including carnivorous, with diet consisted of aquatic and terrestrial insects, and the other benthic invertebrates. The presence of prey group is very closely related to the availability of riparian vegetation in the streams and creeks. Recommendations will include implementation of good forest management in the watershed to maintain the pattern of hydrology and water discharge in natural conditions, and also protection of riparian zones that exist as a source of energy for the stream ecosystem and as a buffer against an input from the terrestrial.
