bin

Stream in Aik Seruk, Spot 1, Sijuk District, Belitung, Indonesia

Sponsored by
Ahead through research

Indonesia, Belitung Regency, Kecamatan Sijuk

This biotope is located in a stream of the Aik Seruk River, Sijuk District, Belitung Island, Indonesia. While the area serves as a natural habitat for various exotic fish species, this project specifically focuses on Rasbora sp., Striuntius lateristriga, and Pristolepis grootii.

The stream has a moderate current, and its banks are rich with roots, tree trunks, gravel, and rocks. The water quality is quite dynamic: sometimes clear, other times slightly darkened by tannins, and it occasionally becomes murky after rain.

Submitted by
MAA Rafsanjani
Approved by
Heiko Blessin, Heok Hee Ng & Greg Martin
GPS
-2.6588750, 107.7036667
Geographical region
Southeastern Asia
Drainage Basin
Local Belitung Island coastal watershed, which empties into the surrounding sea (Karimata Strait/Java Sea)
River catchment
Aik Seruk
Water body type
Stream
Water body name
Stream in Aik Seruk
Water body part
Open water
Water body course
Middle course
Water body: tributary of
Stream
Tributary name
Aik Seruk River

Videos above and below water


Warning: Undefined variable $fish_parent in /home/biotopea/public_html/wp-content/themes/bap/content-bin.php on line 55

Warning: Undefined array key "additional_species" in /home/biotopea/public_html/wp-content/themes/bap/functions/bap-fields.php on line 349

Water Chemistry

Water information

Water type
fresh-water
Water color
Mixed water
Water transparency
Medium
Concentration of sediments
Medium
Water temperature
27 °C
Water flow/curent
Slow

Chemical parameters

pH
7.0
Conductivity
31
GH
249 mg/l
dGH
KH
9 mg/l
dKH
Dissolved Oxygen
81 %

Substrate in nature

Sand
Grey
Pebble/Gravel
Mixed
Stone
Mixed
Stone form
Roundish
Silt/Mud
Grey
Leaves
None
Driftwood
Few
Submerged terrestrial vegetation
None

Aquatic Biotope

Date of collecting
15 March, 2025
Collecting area
River bank
Water depth
1,0m
Air temperature
27 °C
Sunlight
Partial shade

Environment

Environment
Untouched
Surrounding area

This biotope is located far from human settlements, deep within the forest as a tributary of the Aik Seruk River. The area is rich in wildlife and native plant species.

The location is rarely visited, except by fishermen, anglers, hunters, and researchers. As a result, the ecosystem remains largely undisturbed and well-preserved.

Underwater landscape

The water conditions in this biotope are quite dynamic. At times, the water is clear; at other times, it becomes slightly darkened by tannins—mainly due to logging for oil palm plantations further upstream. After rainfall, the water also tends to become somewhat murky.

The riverbed consists of a mix of gravel, soil, and rocks, while the banks are rich in tree roots, driftwood, stones, and branches. As you venture deeper into the forest along this tributary, aquatic vegetation becomes more noticeable, although I have not yet identified the specific plant species present. I hope to continue exploring this stream to gather more detailed information.

Fish list:

  • Rasbora cf. patrickyapi (Danionidae)
  • Pristolepis grootii (Pristolepididae)
  • Striuntius lateristriga (Cyprinidae)
Threats to ecology

Belitung is currently facing an environmental emergency due to widespread deforestation for oil palm plantations, posing a significant threat to the island’s flora and fauna.

We have observed that several areas near the biotope location have already been converted into oil palm fields. Furthermore, some sites where wild Betta fish were once commonly found now see these fish only rarely. We sincerely hope the Indonesian government takes decisive action to preserve Belitung’s biodiversity.

Riparian zone

Trees near the aquatic habitat
Many -

Bibliography

Sitography

→ FishBase

Comment by the expert

Heok Hee Ng: Rasbora cf. patrickyapi is actually Rasbora einthovenii.

Greg Martin: Well researched. Nice to see the underwater BIN footage.