Study the Ecological of the Banggai Cardinalfish in the Sea Waters of Banggai Laut Regency, Indonesia

Indonesia is one of the countries with a high level of biodiversity. This is evidenced by the many species of fish and coral in Indonesian waters. The abundance of biodiversity also allows Indonesia to have endemic species, one of which is the Banggai Cardinalfish. Banggai Cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni) is one of the endemic species found in the Banggai Islands-Central Sulawesi-Indonesia. This study aims to see the bio-ecological conditions of the Banggai Cardinalfish. This study was conducted in January-March 2014 in North Banggai District, Banggai Laut Regency, Central Sulawesi Province. The study was conducted using the observation method and monitoring the population of Pterpogon kauderni at predetermined stations and measuring the quality of marine waters at each station. Population monitoring was carried out using the Belt transect method. The data obtained were then analyzed using population density analysis. The water quality data obtained were then compared with the seawater quality standards according to PP No. 22 of 2021. Based on the research results, it is known that the population of Banggai Cardinalfish and associated biota from each location is generally low, only at station III which has the highest population. Water quality conditions are generally optimal only at salinity parameters that tend to be very high.