Javanese Medaka (Oryzias javanicus) in Malaysia: Two Decades of Scientific Progress and Its Role in Environmental Research

Abstract

This review consolidates findings from two decades of research on Javanese medaka (Oryzias javanicus) as model organisms in scientific studies conducted in Malaysia since 1998. A systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines was conducted to ensure a comprehensive and transparent selection of relevant studies. The remarkable natural adaptations of Javanese medaka, including their tolerance to a broad range of salinity levels, render them ideal candidates for biological testing. The local distribution and abundance of Javanese medaka throughout the Indo-Malesia coastal water regions making them a competent organism to be used in environmental toxicology studies. The notable characteristics of Javanese medaka is their sensitivity towards changes in the environments which make them a good bio-monitoring agent in aquatic ecosystems. Previous studies have also investigated the effects of various environmental stressors, including heavy metals, herbicides, and pH variations, using O. javanicus as a model organism. The toxicological effects of diverse chemicals can now be studied through various responses including behavioral, biochemical, and molecular biological responses. More than 20 years of studies on Javanese medaka in Malaysia have attributed to the expansion of knowledge on the capability of Javanese medaka as magnificent model organism in miscellaneous discipline of scientific studies.