The Mega Field Works - Part 1 2008

I warn ye.. Don't open it but IF you really want to see it.. Go ahead..

My sampling program (FYI..)

Tentative sampling program

Date : August 1 2008 – August 21, 2008

The journey home
19 July 08:10hrs Depart to Amsterdam; 12:00hrs Depart to Malaysia via Amsterdam
20 July 06:05hrs Arrive at KLIA; 11:45hrs Depart to Kuala Terengganu; 12:35hrs Arrive at Kuala Terengganu

The preperation begins
21 July 10:00hrs Meeting with Head of Department, Biology. To be confirmed. 12:00hrs Meeting with helpers At General Bio. Lab.
22 – 23 July 09:00 – 17:00hrs Preperation: Gather all equipment and materials needed for sampling - formalin and ethanol(?) - to buy other consumables

The (mega)field works begin
24 July 10:00hrs Depart from UMT, Kuala Terengganu; 16:30hrs Arrive at Baling, Kedah - overnight; 17:30hrs Site survey(?)
25 July 09:00hrs 1. Sampling Sg. Nau, Baling - overnight
26 July 09:00hrs Depart to Perlis; 16:00hrs Arrive at Perlis State Park - overnight; 16:30hrs Site survey(?)
27 July 10:00hrs 2. Sampling stream at Wang Mu; 14:00hrs 3. Sampling stream at Wang Klian - overnight
28 July 09:30hrs Depart to Kuala Nerang, Kedah; 12:30hrs Arrive at Kuala Nerang; 14:00hrs 4. Sampling Puncak Janing; 18:00hrs Depart to Penang - overnight; 22:00hrs Arrive at Penang
29 July 09:00hrs Visit Univ. Science Malaysia (USM)– to examine fish collection at School of Biological Sciences, USM; 16:00hrs Depart to Kulim, Kedah - overnight
30 July 10:00hrs 5. Sampling Bukit Hijau/Sedim - Overnight
31 July 09:00hrs Depart to Batu Kurau, Perak; 12:00hrs Arrive at Batu Kurau, Perak; 14:00hrs 6. Sampling Sg. Anak Kurau - Overnight
1 Aug 09:00hrs Depart to Ulu Kenas, Kuala Kangsar, Perak; 12:00hrs Arrive at Kuala Kangsar; 14:00hrs 7. Sampling Sg. Kenas - overnight
2 Aug 09:00hrs 8. Sampling Sg. Kota Air Tampan - overnight
3 Aug 09:00hrs Depart to Kuala Woh, Tapah; 14:00hrs Arrive at Kuala Woh, Tapah; 15:00hrs 9. Sampling at Kuala Woh - overnight
4 Aug 09:00hrs Depart to Bangi, Selangor; 13:00hrs Arrive at UKM, Bangi; 14:00hrs Visit Univ. Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)– to examine fish collection at Faculty of Sciences and Technology, UKM. - overnight
5 Aug 09:30 - 17:00hrs– to examine fish collection at Faculty of Sciences and Technology, UKM. - overnight
6 Aug 09:00hrs 10. Sampling at Sg. Congkak, Ulu Langat, Selangor - overnight
7 Aug 09:00hrs 11. Sampling at Ulu Gombak - overnight
8 Aug 09:00hrs 12. Sampling at Sg. Tua, Selayang; 16:00hrs Depart to Rembau, Negeri Sembilan; 20:00hrs Arrive at Rembau, Negeri Sembilan - overnight
9 Aug 09:30hrs 13. Sampling Ulu Sepri, Rembau - overnight
10 Aug 09:00hrs Depart to Ulu Bendul, Kuala Pilah; 14. Sampling at Ulu Bendul - overnight
11 Aug 09:30hrs Depart to Serting; 15. Sampling at Serting - overnight
12 Aug 09:30hrs Depart to Segamat, Johor; 13:00hrs Arrive at G. Ledang; 14:00hrs 16. Sampling at G. Ledang - overnight
13 Aug 09:00hrs 17. Sampling at Sg. Bantang - overnight
14 Aug 09:30hrs Depart to Kluang, Johor; 14:00hrs Arrive at Kluang; 18. Sampling G. Berlumut - overnight
15 Aug 10:00hrs ... cont. 18. 14:00hrs Depart to Maran, Pahang; 22:00hrs Arrive at Maran, Pahang - overnight
16 Aug 09:30hrs 19. Sampling at Belimbing, Maran - overnight
17 Aug 09:30hrs Depart to Lanchang, Pahang; 13:30hrs Arrive at Lanchang, Pahang; 14:00hrs Visit Institute for Biodiversity, DWNP – to examine fish collection at IKB, DWNP. - overnight
18 Aug 09:00hrs 20. Sampling at Lanchang, Pahang - overnight; 16:00hrs Depart to Kuantan, Pahang; 20:00hrs Arrive at Kuantan, Pahang - overnight
19 Aug 09:30hrs 21. Sampling at Berkelah - overnight
20 Aug 09:00hrs Depart to Dungun, Terengganu; 13:00hrs Arrive at Dungun, Terengganu; 14:00hrs 22. Sampling at Besul, Dungun - overnight
21 Aug 09:00hrs Depart to Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu; 14:00hrs Arrive at Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu
[end of part 1]

Lab works
22–23 Aug Specimen prep. and further identification, (dead fish) photo session

The (not-so-mega)field works begin
24 Aug 10:00hrs Depart to Kuala Berang, Terengganu; 12:00hrs Arrive at Kuala Berang, Terengganu; 13:00hrs 23. Sampling Sg. Peres, Sekayu - overnight
25 Aug 09:30hrs 24. Sampling Sg. Por, Sekayu - overnight
26 Aug 09:30hrs 25. Sampling Lata Payong, Setiu; 16:00hrs Depart to Jertih, Terengganu - overnight
27 Aug 09:30hrs 26. Sampling at Lata Tembakah, Terengganu; 16:00hrs Depart to Machang, Kelantan - overnight
28 Aug 09:30hrs 27. Sampling at Bukit Bakar, Kelantan; 14:00hrs Depart to Chiku, Kelantan - overnight
29 Aug 09:30hrs 28. Sampling at Chiku; 16:00hrs Depart to Tanah Merah, Kelantan - overnight
30 Aug 09:30hrs 29. Sampling at Sg. Buluh - overnight
31 Aug 09:30hrs 30. Sampling at Sg. Lanas; 16:00hrs Depart ti Kuala Terengganu
[end of part 2]
[to be continue in 2009!! Hehe..]

Lab works
1–9 Sept 09:00-17:30hrs Specimen prep. and further identification, (dead fish) photo session

The return trip
10 Sept 16:15hrs Depart to KLIA
17:10hrs Arrive at KLIA
23:55hrs Depart to Amsterdam
11 Sept 06:35hrs Arrive at Amsterdam
14:10hrs Depart to Edinburgh
Arrive at Edinburgh
Depart to Dundee
Arrive at Dundee

Sampling P. Malaysia - August 2008

Well.. Works are under progress to sample fish from headwater streams in Peninsular Malaysia this coming August. This will be the first of two samplings that I have to conduct to get data for my PhD. After spending about 2 months analysing my previous data on fish inhabiting the headwater streams of Peninsular Malaysia (more will be done, later..), the opportunity to re-sample some of the streams and surveying a few new streams will generate more information on fish fauna in this great ecosystem.

Headwater ecosystem is rather unique. This ecosystem is constantly under great pressure of high water velocity and fast flowing current. Its substrate consists of rocks of many different sizes and sands. The physical habitat consists of pools including plunge pools of a few meters deep, rapids and riffles alternating the pools along the longitudinal section at the lower altitude. Along the stream, anthropogenic materials creating various structure for fish to hide, or predator may utilised it for hunting or ambushing prey.

Fishes inhabiting the headwater streams comes in various colour, shape and sizes. They utilised quite a different microhabitat such as rocky bottom, leaf piles, or just swim freely in open water. To date, only a handfull of species that probably never been reported elsewhere in the world utilised the headwater stream of Peninsular Malaysia as their habitat. The total number of freshwater fishes utilised the headwater ecosystem is not known. Well.. Some species may be found in lower part of the streams or in other totally different habitats such as swamps. "Obligate' species of headwater streams fish fauna may be not as rich as species recorded in swamps but the special adaptation to live in this 'harsh' habitat resulted several species possesses several unique characteristics such as streamline, flat-head, and elongated body.

From the previous collections, there are about 120 species (more or less..) but based on the preliminary analyses, the estimated number is higher! So, more sampling is needed until the graph of species-area curve reach asymptote. Well.. It won't be easy but more samplings at more sites and with the used of correct tools, we might be able to estimate the number of fish species living in this area. So, my job is to collect as many fish as I can withing 50m streach of stream for 3-5 replicates. I hope I am able to do this with the help of several friends.

WISH ME LUCK... <;)}}}<

PRIMER 5

YES!!!! At last.. I manage to analyse my data using PRIMER5.. I spent almost 2 weeks playing with PRIMER5.. Yesterday, I manage to get it 'almost' right!! Not that easy but not million miles different.. Before this, I got busy with EstimateS.. The output from EstimateS are really interesting.. Form preliminary analysis using EstimateS, I discuss with my supevisor.. She suggest I concentrate on something I never thought would be so interesting! She want me to analyse further the data of fish inhabiting modified and natural pools.. Well, I got it done yesterday (YES! I am..) but I need to do it again. This time (a bit later, I guess..) to make it well structured. Before this, I try to get familiar with the data and analyses. Now, 'playing' time was over, now get down to serious business.. I am really excited to get the output ready for my next meeting with my supervisor.. It will take place on Thursday or may be Friday..
Wish me luck..

Systomus lateristriga (Valenciennes)

Family Cyprinidae
[Malay: ikan bagoh; English: t-barb]


Systomus lateristriga. Temenggor, Perak, Peninsular Malaysia

Systomus lateristriga. Belimbing, Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia

Tweedie (1961) reported that there were at least six distinct forms of S. lateristriga found throughout Peninsular Malaysia. The specimen from Temenggor has posterior vertical bar well developed, of which the base is broad spanning almost the entire dorsal fin base. This form very much similar to Pahang and Kelantan form (Tweedie, 1961: 180, Plate 22, Figure 5, 6) and almost reaching pelvic fins base similar to Johor form (Tweedie, 1961: 178, Plate 22, Figure 1, 2). The posterior horizontal bar is well developed and relatively broad, but does not connected to posterior vertical bar. Supraanal spot is not clearly visible, and relatively small (probably due to stress). The specimen from Belimbing, Maran, Pahang relatively similar to specimen from Temenggor, Perak. The posterior horizontal bar of this recently preserved specimen broder than the previous specimen. Interestingly, according to Tweedie (1961) the upper Perak and Pahang does not seem to belong to the same group!
Systomus lateristriga. Menderu, Terenggau, Peninsular Malaysia

Systomus lateristriga. Menderu, Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia

The bottom two pictures were the same specimen collected from Air Menderu, Kerteh, Terengganu. In the live specimen, anterior and posterior vertical bar is not connected as the second (anterior) horizontal bar of this specimen is 'missing'. The posterior vertical bar is prominent, showing the based covering almost entire dorsal fin based and it extending almost reaching the pelvic fins. The posterior horizontal bar seems here does not connecting to the posterior vertical bar. Supraanal spot was clearly visible in life specimen but almost entirely vanished in preserved specimen. However, I can't compare the small specimen since I don't have any.
This fish is suitable for large aquarium display and looking great in school. However, care should be taken as it is easily die if dissolved oxygen is lacking. Female usually larger but (presumably) male is more attractive with bright yellow and black marking on its body.

Systomus lateristriga (Valenciennes)

Family Cyprinidae
[Malay: ikan bagoh; English: t-barb]


Systomus lateristriga. Temenggor, Perak, Peninsular Malaysia

Systomus lateristriga. Belimbing, Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia

Tweedie (1961) reported that there were at least six distinct forms of S. lateristriga found throughout Peninsular Malaysia. The specimen from Temenggor has posterior vertical bar well developed, of which the base is broad spanning almost the entire dorsal fin base. This form very much similar to Pahang and Kelantan form (Tweedie, 1961: 180, Plate 22, Figure 5, 6) and almost reaching pelvic fins base similar to Johor form (Tweedie, 1961: 178, Plate 22, Figure 1, 2). The posterior horizontal bar is well developed and relatively broad, but does not connected to posterior vertical bar. Supraanal spot is not clearly visible, and relatively small (probably due to stress). The specimen from Belimbing, Maran, Pahang relatively similar to specimen from Temenggor, Perak. The posterior horizontal bar of this recently preserved specimen broder than the previous specimen. Interestingly, according to Tweedie (1961) the upper Perak and Pahang does not seem to belong to the same group!
Systomus lateristriga. Menderu, Terenggau, Peninsular Malaysia

Systomus lateristriga. Menderu, Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia

The bottom two pictures were the same specimen collected from Air Menderu, Kerteh, Terengganu. In the live specimen, anterior and posterior vertical bar is not connected as the second (anterior) horizontal bar of this specimen is 'missing'. The posterior vertical bar is prominent, showing the based covering almost entire dorsal fin based and it extending almost reaching the pelvic fins. The posterior horizontal bar seems here does not connecting to the posterior vertical bar. Supraanal spot was clearly visible in life specimen but almost entirely vanished in preserved specimen. However, I can't compare the small specimen since I don't have any.
This fish is suitable for large aquarium display and looking great in school. However, care should be taken as it is easily die if dissolved oxygen is lacking. Female usually larger but (presumably) male is more attractive with bright yellow and black marking on its body.

Systomus lateristriga (Valenciennes)

Family Cyprinidae
[Malay: ikan bagoh; English: t-barb]


Systomus lateristriga. Temenggor, Perak, Peninsular Malaysia

Systomus lateristriga. Belimbing, Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia

Tweedie (1961) reported that there were at least six distinct forms of S. lateristriga found throughout Peninsular Malaysia. The specimen from Temenggor has posterior vertical bar well developed, of which the base is broad spanning almost the entire dorsal fin base. This form very much similar to Pahang and Kelantan form (Tweedie, 1961: 180, Plate 22, Figure 5, 6) and almost reaching pelvic fins base similar to Johor form (Tweedie, 1961: 178, Plate 22, Figure 1, 2). The posterior horizontal bar is well developed and relatively broad, but does not connected to posterior vertical bar. Supraanal spot is not clearly visible, and relatively small (probably due to stress). The specimen from Belimbing, Maran, Pahang relatively similar to specimen from Temenggor, Perak. The posterior horizontal bar of this recently preserved specimen broder than the previous specimen. Interestingly, according to Tweedie (1961) the upper Perak and Pahang does not seem to belong to the same group!
Systomus lateristriga. Menderu, Terenggau, Peninsular Malaysia

Systomus lateristriga. Menderu, Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia

The bottom two pictures were the same specimen collected from Air Menderu, Kerteh, Terengganu. In the live specimen, anterior and posterior vertical bar is not connected as the second (anterior) horizontal bar of this specimen is 'missing'. The posterior vertical bar is prominent, showing the based covering almost entire dorsal fin based and it extending almost reaching the pelvic fins. The posterior horizontal bar seems here does not connecting to the posterior vertical bar. Supraanal spot was clearly visible in life specimen but almost entirely vanished in preserved specimen. However, I can't compare the small specimen since I don't have any.
This fish is suitable for large aquarium display and looking great in school. However, care should be taken as it is easily die if dissolved oxygen is lacking. Female usually larger but (presumably) male is more attractive with bright yellow and black marking on its body.

Freshwater Fishes of Malaysia

The first of what is going to be the most ambitious entry that I am doing (or going to do..) for the next (days, months, years..! I don't know..) is uploaded.. The first features fish was a common fish called 'tebal sisik' or 'ikan sisik' in Malay. Check it out..

Freshwater Fishes of Malaysia

The first of what is going to be the most ambitious entry that I am doing (or going to do..) for the next (days, months, years..! I don't know..) is uploaded.. The first features fish was a common fish called 'tebal sisik' or 'ikan sisik' in Malay. Check it out..

Freshwater Fishes of Malaysia

The first of what is going to be the most ambitious entry that I am doing (or going to do..) for the next (days, months, years..! I don't know..) is uploaded.. The first features fish was a common fish called 'tebal sisik' or 'ikan sisik' in Malay. Check it out..

I have a dream...

It is a dream actually.. I want to set up a 'page' on Malaysian biodiversity. For a start, I guess I should start with fauna that is closed to me - fish. To be precised, freshwater fishes.. I guess that is the best to start with..
Then, may be I should put up a note on dragonfly followed by butterfly, frogs, toads, lizards, snakes, crocs or the herpetofauna and then spiders and scorpions and crabs and shrimps and prawns and last but not least other fauna that I manage to capture with my camera.
I don't really think big but may be just their name (local name(s), English and scientific name), size, a note on taxonomy, habitat and distribution and probably their local status. On some species that I am familiar, may be I shall put something like breeding biology, food preferences and may be any threats to their survivality..
I hope it will generate some awareness to local fauna, especially those small and some cryptic species..
I wish I am able to do this, before they are gone..
Wish me luck..

Systomus binotatus (Valenciennes)

Family Cyprinidae
[Malay: ikan sisik, tebal sisik; English: ]

Systomus binotatus. Temonggor, Perak, Peninsular Malaysia

It has been recognised that there are two closely resembling species present in Peninsular Malaysia namely S. binotatus and S. banksi. The body of S. binotatus is uniform silvery grey with a small blackish spot at the caudal base, and a blackish blotch under the anterior base of the dorsal fin that covers about six scales, and does not extend onto the middle part of the body. The blotch in some fish could be small but always never extended to the middle part of the body.

Systomus binotatus. Menderu, Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia
Live specimen from Air Menderu, Kerteh, is very goldish which seldom seen in other specimens from other localities in Peninsular Malaysia.
Relatively small size fish (< 10cm SL). This fish is commonly found throughout Peninsular Malaysia and frequent shallow water.

Systomus binotatus (Valenciennes)

Family Cyprinidae
[Malay: ikan sisik, tebal sisik; English: ]

Systomus binotatus. Temonggor, Perak, Peninsular Malaysia

It has been recognised that there are two closely resembling species present in Peninsular Malaysia namely S. binotatus and S. banksi. The body of S. binotatus is uniform silvery grey with a small blackish spot at the caudal base, and a blackish blotch under the anterior base of the dorsal fin that covers about six scales, and does not extend onto the middle part of the body. The blotch in some fish could be small but always never extended to the middle part of the body.

Systomus binotatus. Menderu, Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia
Live specimen from Air Menderu, Kerteh, is very goldish which seldom seen in other specimens from other localities in Peninsular Malaysia.
Relatively small size fish (< 10cm SL). This fish is commonly found throughout Peninsular Malaysia and frequent shallow water.

Systomus binotatus (Valenciennes)

Family Cyprinidae
[Malay: ikan sisik, tebal sisik; English: ]

Systomus binotatus. Temonggor, Perak, Peninsular Malaysia

It has been recognised that there are two closely resembling species present in Peninsular Malaysia namely S. binotatus and S. banksi. The body of S. binotatus is uniform silvery grey with a small blackish spot at the caudal base, and a blackish blotch under the anterior base of the dorsal fin that covers about six scales, and does not extend onto the middle part of the body. The blotch in some fish could be small but always never extended to the middle part of the body.

Systomus binotatus. Menderu, Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia
Live specimen from Air Menderu, Kerteh, is very goldish which seldom seen in other specimens from other localities in Peninsular Malaysia.
Relatively small size fish (< 10cm SL). This fish is commonly found throughout Peninsular Malaysia and frequent shallow water.

Biodiversity of Malaysia

I just about to embark to a daunting task writing some notes on Malaysia rich biodiversity, the fauna in particular. I would like to start with a note of fish followed by other animals that I like. Don't expect this to be something 'big' but I'll do my part to give a brief information and to help conserving the magnificent fauna of Malaysia. This laborious work will take years and will never be completed.. So, whatever is here, is just a piece of puzzle that can be found in the wild of Malaysia.
Click the link under the title "Biodiversity of Malaysia" to go to the page on fauna of my preference!