Faculty of

Chemical and
Energy
Engineering

ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL & BIOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES

(SKKK 4623)

SN 01

2016/2017 SEM 2

GROUP FIELDWORK PROJECT REPORT

ELECTROFISHING

LECTURER:
PROF. DR. MAKETAB MOHAMED

GROUP MEMBERS:
EKA SAHIRA BINTI WARNIS A13KK0029
MUHAMAD ZULHELMIE BIN MOHD NASIR A13KK0063
MUHAMMAD HAFIZ BIN AHMAD DAUD A13KK0072
MUHAMMAD NOR AZRUL BIN YUSOFF A13KK0079
TAN SHIAU NEE A13KK0141
WAN MOKHFAIZUL IZAHAR BIN WAN MOKHTAR A13KK0152
 i

ABSTRACT

This study reports on the electrofishing activity executed by Group 4 with the
assistance of the activity operator, Mr. Ramli to complete the group assignment for
the subject of Environmental Chemistry and Biology Principles. The activity was
th
commenced on 18 March 2017 at the river between L07 and L26, KTHO, UTM.
The main objective of this study is to identify the fish species in the study area with
the aid of electrofishing method. The stream class of the river was evaluated as well
based on the fish populations. During the execution of this fieldwork, the fish species
were classified.. Their lengths and weights were measured and recorded as well. The
analysis on these species was conducted. Based on the findings, a total of 13 Udang
(Glass Shrimp), 6 Todak (Swordfish) and 1 Temperas (Beardless Bard) species has
been captured. The stream class of the river is of either Class IIA or Class IIB.
 ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1
1.1 Background of Study ..................................................................................... 1
1.2 Problem Statement ........................................................................................ 2
1.3 Objectives of Study ....................................................................................... 3
1.4 Scopes of Study ............................................................................................. 3
CHAPTER 2 ............................................................................................................... 4
2.1 Classifications of Water Quality Level in Malaysia...................................... 4
2.2 Electrofishing ................................................................................................ 5
CHAPTER 3 ............................................................................................................... 6
3.1 Sampling Method and Its Equipment ............................................................ 6
3.2 Procedures for Fish Sampling ....................................................................... 7
CHAPTER 4 ............................................................................................................... 8
4.1 Tabulations of Data ....................................................................................... 8
4.2 Graphical Representation of Data ................................................................. 9
4.3 Types of Species ..........................................................................................12

4.3.1 Udang (Glass Shrimp) ..........................................................................12

4.3.2 Todak (Swordfish) ................................................................................13
4.3.3 Temperas (Beardless Bard)..................................................................14
4.3.4 Summary of Species Type ...................................................................15
4.4 Water Quality Analysis ...............................................................................16
CHAPTER 5 ............................................................................................................. 17
5.1 Conclusion ...................................................................................................17
REFERENCES ......................................................................................................... 18
 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of Study

The presence, condition and numbers of the fish and other aquatic life provide
accurate information about the health of freshwater, coastal and marine waters (EPA,
2014). Fish, the main component of most aquatic life such as ocean, lake and river can be
served as a good indicator of water quality. Generally, biological assessments can be
used to evaluate the conditions of the aquatic systems that have been studied. The
biological data obtained can provide a clearer picture of whether the water can meet its
designated aquatic life uses, and subsequently assess the water quality standard.

In Malaysia, the water quality can be categorized into several classes.

Biological examination is used to study the water quality by investigating the
pollution level through the collection, counting and identification of aquatic species.
The characteristics of the water system organisms such as the composition and the
distribution can be investigated as well. Standardized sampling and data comparison
technologies are crucial in fisheries to evaluate the changes of a fish population over
time. It also allows the biologist to concentrate on improving the fish populations
instead of focusing on routine monitoring.
 2

In fact, several methods have been developed for the fish sampling. For
instance, angling, traps, weirs and trawls. Each of the sampling method has its own
advantages and disadvantages. The selection of the sampling method will greatly
depend on the types, sizes, distribution and behavior of the fish species to be
sampled. The best results can be obtained by those biologists who adhere closely to
the standardized procedures. The data collected by them can be used to compare with
other sets of data that are collected in a similar manner. These techniques are
applicable to determine the composition of aquatic species and build a robust state
database for comparison purposes.

Electrofishing is one of the common fish sampling methods. It has been widely
used by the biologists to collect a wide range of fishery data such as species composition,
population estimates and growth rates. Electrofishing is suitable to be used in the areas
with uneven bottoms and fast flowing water. It will not cause permanent harm to the fish
species as they can be recovered back to their natural state after several minutes. An
electric field is being created in the water, in which the fish will respond to by either
some form of forced swimming or immobilization, thus rendering them easier to be
captured. As the electricity in water is an unseen force, a good understanding on the
application of this technique is necessary for safety purpose.

1.2 Problem Statement

With the advancing of development of fisheries management, an accurate

biological species data is kind of important to enable the fish stock assessments and
effective management to be implemented. Universiti Tekonologi Malaysia (UTM), Johor
is surrounded by a large quantity of water supply. There are various types of aquatic
species in the river inside or nearby UTM. These organisms play an important role in
biological examination to determine the characteristics and quality of river water. They
act as the biological indicators as some of the species can only adapt to
 3

the unpolluted water. The fish populations often indicates the physical and chemical
characteristics of water for further water quality assessments to be evaluated. Thus,
fish sampling is required to be carried out to study its species composition as well as
the water quality.

1.3 Objectives of Study

The aim of the study is to evaluate the water quality of river water inside
UTM. In order to achieve the purpose, the objectives of the study are:

i. To determine the fish species as well as their lengths and weights.

ii. To analyze the overall water quality based on the sizes and species of fish
populations.

1.4 Scopes of Study

The scope of study applied for this case includes the following:

i. The fish species present during the sampling.

ii. The total length and weight of fish species during the sampling.
iii. The classification of water quality based on the distribution of fish species
during the sampling.
 CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Classifications of Water Quality Level in Malaysia

In Malaysia, the water quality level can be categorized into 6 different

classes, namely Class I, IIA, IIB, III, IV and V. The classification is done based on
the measurement of certain parameters. Table 2.1 below summarizes the
classification of water quality level in Malaysia based on pH, temperature, color and
hardness (Zainudin, 2010).

Table 2.1 : Classification of Water Quality Level in Malaysia

Parameters Unit Class

I IIA IIB III IV V
pH - 6.5–8.5 6-9 6-9 5-9 5-9 -
Temperature ℃ - Normal - Normal - -
+ 2℃ + 2℃

Color TCU 15 150 150 - - -

Hardness o - 14 14 - - -
dH
 5

2.2 Electrofishing

Electrofishing is a technique commonly used by scientists and fisheries biologists

to survey rivers and assess what fish species are present (Practical Fishkeeping, 2016).
When done properly, the fish that is being stunned can be carefully removed with a net
and examined with no permanent harm done. The device used for the electrofishing
fishing is called an electrofisher. It is often mounted in a backpack, together with the use
of two electrodes, namely anode and cathode respectively. The high voltage charge is
delivered into water. The two electrodes are needed as a minimum to complete the
circuit. When using the system in direct-current mode, the anode, which is the positive
electrode is hand-held. The negative electrode, cathode is physically different and is
often a metal plate or braided copper strip. Figure 2.1 below shows the typical
components of electrofishing equipment.

Figure 2.1 Typical Components of Electrofishing Equipment

When electric current flows from an electrode into a body of water, it spreads
out to occupy much of the available volume in a way analogous to that of magnetic
field lines surrounding a bar magnet. The lines of current flow leave one electrode
from all surfaces and radiate out into the water before converging and flowing back
into another electrode.
 CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

3.1 Sampling Method and Its Equipment

Electrofishing method was chosen for this activity. The equipments used were
the backpack electrofisher with generator, two types of electrodes (anode and
cathode) and dip nets. Figure 3.1 below shows the equipment used by the operator,
Mr. Ramli during the activity.

Figure 3.1 Backpack Electrofisher with Generator and 2 types of Electrodes

 7

3.2 Procedures for Fish Sampling

a. The location for fish sampling was identified. The river between L07 and
L26, KTHO, UTM was selected as the fish sampling location. Figure 3.2
below shows the exact location of the electrofishing fieldwork.

Figure 3.2 Fish Sampling Location

b. The backpack electrofisher was operated by the operator, Mr. Ramli and the
stunned fish species were collected by other members using dip nets, as
shown in Figure 3.3 below.

Figure 3.3 Electrofishing Fieldwork

c. The fish collected was categorized according to their species. The length and
weight of each species were measured and recorded.
d. The results obtained were tabulated and analyzed.
 CHAPTER 4

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

4.1 Tabulations of Data

From the electrofishing activity, a total of three different species have been
detected in the study area, namely, Udang (Glass Shrimp), Todak (Swordfish) and
Temperas (Beardless Barb). The data collected for each species at the end of this
activities was tabulated as shown in Table 4.1, Table 4.2 and Table 4.3 respectively.

Table 4.1 : Data for Udang (Glass Shrimp) Species

Species Udang (Glass Shrimp)
Number of Catches 13
Total Weight (g) 2.0
Length (cm) 2.4 2.4 2.9
3.0 3.5 3.6
4.0 4.3 4.4
4.5 4.7 4.9
5.0
Average Length (cm) 3.8
 9

Table 4.2 : Data for Todak (Swordfish) Species

Species Todak (Swordfish)
Number of Catches 6
Total Weight (g) 1.0
Length (cm) 4.5 4.7 4.8
5.0 5.5 5.9
Average Length (cm) 5.1

Table 4.3 : Data for Temperas (Beardless Barb) Species

Species Temperas (Beardless Barb)
Number of Catches 1
Total Weight (g) 0.3
Length (cm) 3.6
Average Length (cm) 3.6

From the data above, there is a total of 13 Udang (Glass Shrimp) species has
been captured. They have a total weight of 2.0 g and an average length of 3.8 cm.
Besides, there is a total of 6 Todak (Swordfish) species, with a total weight of 1.0 g
and an average length of 5.1 cm. At the end of this electrofishing activity, there is
only 1 Temperas (Beardless Barb) species being caught, with its weight and length
are 0.3 g and 3.6 cm respectively.

4.2 Graphical Representation of Data

The data obtained is then presented in a graphical way before the analysis of
data is being conducted. The data is presented according to its species and sizes
accordingly, as shown in Figure 4.1, Figure 4.2 and Figure 4.3 below.
 10

14

12
Number of 10
Species
8

0
Udang Todak Temperas
Species Type

Figure 4.1 Number of Captures based on Species Type

Based on the plotted graph above, there is a total of 20 fishes from 3 species
types. The highest number of species attributed to Udang (Glass Shrimp) with a total
number of 13, followed by a total of 6 Todak (Swordfish) species. There is only one
Temperas (Beardless Barb) found during the electrofishing activity.

5
Length (cm)
4

0
Udang Todak Temperas
Species Type

Average Longest Shortest Median

Figure 4.2 Length for each Species Type

 11

Figure 4.2 shows the length of various species captured during the
electrofishing activity. From the fish sampling, the longest and shortest length of
Udang (Glass Shrimp) species are 5.0 cm and 2.4 cm respectively. The Udang (Glass
Shrimp) species has an average length of 3.8 cm, with a median length of 4.0 cm. For
the Todak (Swordfish) species, the longest length is 5.9 cm and the shortest length is
4.5 cm. The average length of Todak (Swordfish) species is 5.1 cm, whereas its
median length is 4.9 cm. There is only one Temperas (Beardless Barb) being
captured in this activity, with a length of 3.6 cm.

2.5

2
Total Weight
(g)
1.5

0.5

0
Udang Todak Temperas
Species Type

Figure 4.3 Total Weight for each Species Type

Figure 4.3 shows the total weight for each species type. The greatest weight
is attributed to Udang (Glass Shrimp) species, with a total weight of 2.0 g. The total
weight of Todak (Swordfish) and Temperas (Beardless Barb) are 1.0 g and 0.3 g
respectively.
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4.3 Types of Species

4.3.1 Udang (Glass Shrimp)

Udang, with its scientific name Macrobrachium lanchesteri is also commonly

known as Glass Shrimp or Ghose Shrimp. It comes from Palaemonidae family
(Diszhal.info, 2017). This species is transparent with brown to black stripes on the
front body. It is a relatively small freshwater invertebrates, with the size range from 5
to 8 cm. It is also a hardy species, adapting well to almost all kinds of freshwater.
This species is widely distributed in Asia, occuring in southern and central Thailand,
Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Laos and Brunei. It tends to adapt in water with
temperature from 18 to 30 ℃ and pH ranges from 6.5 to 7.5. The optimum water
o
hardness for this species is 3 to 10 dH as well.

Figure 4.4 Udang (Glass Shrimp)

 13

4.3.2 Todak (Swordfish)

The scientific name of Todak (Swordfish) is Platybelone argalus. It comes

from Belonidae family. This species has a circumglobal distribution throughtout
warm waters of all waters and is widely distributed in India, Indonesia, Malaysia and
Thailand. Todak has a slender and rounded body, with the presence of gill spines. Its
tail fin base is greatly flattened, with keels on it. It can grow to about 50 cm long and
typicially, it lives in a water body with depth ranges from 0 to 5 cm. They are also
belonging to Carnivorous group, feeding mostly on small fishes (Discover Life,
2017). The most optimum water temperature for this species ranges from 2.27 to 28.5
℃ (EOL, 2017). Besides, these fishes normally inhabit freshwaters with moderate
hardness and a neutral to slightly alkaline pH (WWM, 2017). They are not bothered
by pH or hardness levels, provided the extremes are avoided.

Figure 4.5 Todak (Swordfish)

 14

4.3.3 Temperas (Beardless Bard)

Temperas, which is also commonly known as Beardless Bard, has a scientific

name of Cyclocheilichthys apagon. It comes from Cyprinidae family. It has an enormous
natural range extending eastwards from Myanmar via Thailand, Laos, Cambodia as far as
Vietnam and to the south through Peninsular Malaysia and into the Greater Sunda Islands
of Borneo and Sumatra (Seriously Fish, 2017). It is a vertebrate. Its body is rhomboid
and laterally compressed. This species is silver in color with black spots arranged in a
longitudinal line across each scale row. The fins are red in color and there is black blotch
at its caudal base. It tends to adapt to the water temperature ranges from 20 -27 ℃ and
pH ranges from 5.5 to 8.0. For the water hardness, the most optimum range is 18 – 357
o
ppm, which is also equivalent to 1 to 20 dH.

Figure 4.6 Temperas (Beardless Bard)

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4.3.4 Summary of Species Type

Table 4.4: Summary of Fish Species

Species Type Common Scientific Name Family Habitat
Name
Temperature pH o
dH
(℃)

Udang Glass Shrimp Macrobrachium lanchesteri Palaemonidae 18 - 30 6.5 – 7.5 3 - 10

Todak Swordfish Platybelone argalus Belonidae 2.27 – 28.5 Slightly Moderate
alkaline

Temperas Beardless Bard Cyclocheilichthys apagon Cyprinidae 20 - 27 5.5 – 8.0 1 – 20

Table 4.5 : Classification of Stream based on Species Type

Species Type Stream Class
Udang I, IIA, IIB
Todak IIA, IIB
Temperas IIA, IIB
 16

4.4 Water Quality Analysis

The water quality at the study area can be evaluated by referring to its fish
populations. According to the findings, the three species that can be found in the study
area are Udang (Glass Shrimp), Todak (Swordfish) and Temperas (Beardless Bard). The
optimum water conditions for these species were evaluated to identify the stream class of
the study area. It is assumed that the lowest class stream will be taken for a safe
assumption of the stream class. Therefore, the stream class of this study area falls under
Class II based on the fish sampling results, either Class IIA or Class IIB.
 CHAPTER 5

CONCLUSION

5.1 Conclusion

Based on the findings of this study, the species with the highest number is
Udang (Glass Shrimp), followed by Todak (Swordfish) and Temperas (Beardless
Bard). The species type is further evaluated to identify the optimum water conditions
for these species. It can be concluded that the stream class of this study area is either
Class IIA or Class IIB. Class IIA is used for water supply with conventional
treatment and for fishery of sensitive aquatic species. For Class IIB, it is appropriate
for recreational use with body contact. In short, the objectives of this study were
achieved. The fish species were determined and the overall water quality was
analyzed based on the sizes and species of the fish populations.
 REFERENCES

Discover Life. (2017, April 8). Retrieved from Platybelone argalus (Lesueur, 1821):
http://www.discoverlife.org/mp/20q?search=Platybelone+argalus
Diszhal.info. (2017, April 8). Retrieved from Macrobrachium lanchesteri - Glass
shrimp :http://diszhal.info/english/invertebrates/en_Macrobrachium_lanchest
eri.php
EOL. (2017, April 8). Retrieved from Platybelone argalus (Keeltail Needlefish):
http://eol.org/pages/213753/overview
(2014). EPA. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Practical Fishkeeping. (2016, June 13). Retrieved from What is Electrofishing?:
http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/features/articles/what-is-electrofishing
Seriously Fish. (2017, April 8). Retrieved from Cyclocheilichthys apogon - Beardless
Barb: http://www.seriouslyfish.com/species/cyclocheilichthys-apogon/
WWM. (2017, April 8). Retrieved from An introduction to the Beloniformes:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/fwsubwebindex/belonids.htm
Zainudin, Z. (2010). Benchmarking River Water Quality in Malaysia. Jurutera.