Ex-situ conservation of the vulnerable Sulawesi rainbowfish (Marosatherina ladigesi): A review

¹ Research Center for Limnology and Water Resources, National Research and Innovation Agency
² Research Center for Bistematica and Evolution, National Research and Innovation Agency
³ Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Moslem University of Indonesia
⁴ Research Center for Fisheries, National Research and Innovation Agency

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

Marosatherina ladigesi (Ahl, 1936) is the single genus endemic of Maros River in South Sulawesi, Indonesia, as an ornamental fish, and has a vulnerable status by the IUCN. Conservation efforts are needed, including conducting ex-situ conservation. To support the purposes, Research Center for Limnology, LIPI, has conducted several studies, and the results of which are summarized in this manuscript. The fish's initial adaptation ability was 60% of the survival rate. Fish can reproduce in a laboratory with a mass mating system at the best sex ratio of male:female (1:2), at a certain broodstock size. There is a certain tolerance range for development in various limnological conditions, such as temperature, pH, and hardness of rearing water, as well as variations in feed. The data from the research is still partial. To develop M. ladigesi optimally in ex-situ habitats, further research is needed, including the application of more varied environmental conditions and optimization across the fish's life cycle (adult/broodstock, larvae, juveniles, broodstock). Thus, it is hoped that M. ladigesi will be obtained with optimal appearance at the ex-situ habitat. These findings support sustainable aquaculture and reintroduction programs