First Record of Snakehead Gudgeon (Ophiocara porocephala) in Sorong, West Papua, Indonesia

Abstract

Aims: As reported this paper, the new record of O. porocephala has helped to improved the knowledge of the species as it extends the distribution range. Study Design: Short Communication. Place and Duration of Study: This research was conducted from September to November 2021. Sampling was carried out in the Tampa Garam mangrove forest swamp located in Tampa Garam Village, Maldum Mes Distric, Sorong City. Methodology: The morphology of fishes has been the primary source of information for taxonomic and evolutionary studies. There were numerous characters available for morphological study. Results: O. porocephala had a horizontally and terminally wide mouth with a large enough distance from the posterior area of ​​the eye. O. porocephala had ideal eye spacing with small eyelids and large corneas, two dorsal fins and an anal fin each with a distance of 1 and 22mm between the dorsal fins, the anterior dorsal consists of spines fins, while the posterior was weak fins. Fish habitat was found in mangrove areas or in estuarine areas with a salinity of 11 ppt, small fish lived in shallow areas while larger fish lived in deeper areas. The brightness of the air when the fish were isolated was 100%. Oxygen levels at 4 mg/l. O. Porocephala obtained during the study, consisting of gender is 1 female and unidenified. Meanwhile, the fish size in the class 10,9-225,39 cm and gonad weight is 2,62 of female fish with categorie gonad maturity is 3. Conclusion: Based on the results of research, fish that live in mangrove areas are carnivorous, with large fish species having a total length of 18,4 cm and small fish less than 10 cm, further research needs to be carryout base on  the feed habit and maturity of this fish.