Submitted date: 28 February 2025 Accepted date: 21 October 2025 Published date: 28 November 2025 Pp. 303–308.
Two newly recorded gobiid fishes (Sicyopus spp.) from Sumatra, Indonesia
T. Harefa*, H. Haryono, R. Rusdianto, F.M. Nur, D.F. Mokodongan & K. Wibowo *Corresponding author. E-mail: tonisharefa@gmail.com
Fishes of the family Gobiidae, with an incredible diversity of over 2,000 species across 250 genera, represent one of the most diverse groups of vertebrates. The subfamily Sicydiinae is a speciose group of gobies that occupy tropical to temperate island streams in Indo-Pacific regions. Within this subfamily, the genus Sicyopus Gill, 1863, consists of eight valid species. This genus can be recognised by possessing widely spaced, mostly recurved, conical teeth on both the premaxillary and dentary jaws. Additionally, the premaxillary ascending process is narrowly tipped dorsally, and the tongue is free from the mouth floor. Recent ichthyofaunal surveys conducted in the streams of western Sumatra resulted in the collection of several specimens belonging to two distinct Sicyopus species. These findings represent novel records and significant range extensions for Sicyopus spp. within the Indonesian archipelago. Brief descriptions of the two newly recorded species based on the current collected specimens, as well as morphological character comparisons, are presented in this study..
Submitted date: 11 February 2025 Accepted date: 21 July 2025 Published date: 28 November 2025 Pp. 299–302.
Anatomy of the nuchal glands in red-necked keelback (Rhabdophis subminiatus)
Y.N. Narindria, D.D. Cahyadi, A.Y. Prawira, S. Anita, A. Mori & S. Novelina *Corresponding author. E-mail: savitri.novelina@apps.ipb.ac.id
The Red-necked keelback, Rhabdophis subminiatus (Schlegel, 1837), occurs in Indonesia on Java, Sumatra, Nias, and possibly Sulawesi. This species exhibits a suite of defensive displays, including body flattening, neck flattening, neck arching, neck butting, and dorsal-facing postures. Body flattening enlarges the body profile to intimidate predators, while neck flattening accentuates the bright red coloration of the neck, a visual warning linked to the location of the nuchal glands.
The saw-scaled viper, Echis carinatus (Schneider, 1801), is a widespread venomous snake found across arid and semi-arid regions of the Middle East and South Asia. It is a generalist predator, known to feed predominantly on arthropods (particularly scorpions and centipedes), small lizards, rodents, and occasionally amphibians, and generally exhibits opportunistic feeding patterns typical of Old-World vipers. Despite a well-documented dietary breadth, no prior observations or records of ophiophagy (snake-eating behavior) exist for this species.
Submitted date: 22 January 2025 Accepted date: 22 October 2025 Published date: 28 November 2025 Pp. 293–295.
Book Review: Spesies Apakah Itu? [What Species Is That?]
Y. Purwanto, E. Munawaroh & W. Sujarwo *Corresponding author. E-mail: wawan.sujarwo@brin.go.id
Indonesia is known as a megadiverse country with an extraordinary richness of biological diversity. However, the public’s understanding of what species are, how they are identified, and their primary importance for life and conservation remains limited. In this context, the book Spesies Apakah Itu? Menjawab Pertanyaan Pertama dari Penggemar Alam Sejati is a relevant and urgent work. The book “Spesies Apakah Itu? Menjawab Pertanyaan Pertama dari Penggemar Alam Sejati” was written by a team of scientists and biodiversity observers, and edited by Mochamad Indrawan, Anargha Setiadi, Wellyzar Sjamsuridzal, and Himmah Rustiami. This book combines scientific, participatory, and cultural approaches to explain the meaning of species and the importance of community involvement in conservation efforts.
Submitted date: 2 February 2025 Accepted date: 22 October 2025 Published date: 28 November 2025 Pp. 283–292.
A COMPREHENSIVE BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF OTOLITH RESEARCH ON EELS
Metachul Kusna*, T. Triyanto, Eri Sahabudin, Foni A. Setiawan, Gadis S Haryani, L. Lukman, Hendro Wibowo, Fauzan Ali, Fachmijany Sulawesty, Endra Triwisesa, Angga Dwinovantyo, Octavianto Samir, Eva Nafisyah, N. Nurjirana & S. Sutrisno *Corresponding author. E-mail: meta002@brin.go.id
Abstract Otoliths serve as biogenic archives that reveal age, growth, habitat shifts, and environmental histories of fishes. We analyzed 94 years of eel otolith research (374 Scopus-indexed papers, 1930–2023) and visualized co-authorship and keyword networks with VOSviewer. Output rose sharply after 2000, dominated by Japan (26%), Taiwan (12%), and France (11%), forming dense clusters of collaboration among Japan, Taiwan, France, and North America. Research themes progressed from early age and growth studies to otolith microchemistry, migration and recruitment dynamics, and, more recently, to conservation, contaminants, and climate change. Core keywords (“otolith,” “age,” “growth,” “migration”) persist, with newer emphases on phenotypic plasticity and restoration. Tropical anguillids remain underrepresented relative to temperate species, non-anguillid eels appear sporadically, and several life stages—especially leptocephali and yellow eels—are unevenly studied. This synthesis benchmarks global eel otolith scholarship and identifies priorities for cross-regional collaboration and conservation-linked research.