Microalgae associated with Leptoconops breeding sites in selected sandy beaches of Malaysia
2006
Ahmad, R. | Khadri, M.S. | Lee, H.L.
A study was carried out to investigate correlation between the presence of specific microalgal species and Leptoconops biting midge larvae in their breeding habitats. Sand samples containing microalgae were collected from the beach where the midges were most commonly biting, and from sand beaches, which are potential as breeding habitats of Leptoconops. The survey covered sand beaches from 12 separate islands. At all sites, the Bacillariophyta constituted the largest representatives of the microalgae community, with the majority from the Naviculaceae family. A total of 24 microalgal species were identified from the sand examples collected from the study sites. Sand examples from Kentot Kecil Island had the highest number of algal species (11.0) and the highest algae species diversity (Shanon-Weiner Diversity Index, H1=0.884). Besar Island (Johor) had the lowest number of algal species (2.0), whereas Tengol A Island had the lowest algae species diversity (H1=0.234). The highest similarity index was recorded between sand samples collected from Tengol A Island and Tengol B Island (75.0%) followed by Besar Island (Melaka) and Tengol B Island (62.0%). The variation between other islands were relatively high. While many kinds of algae were found where Leptoconops were breeding, Fragilaria intermedia, Mastigloia minuta and Navicula advena were particularly common.
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