Kelvin
K P Lim and Peter K L Ng
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Kelvin
K P Lim and Peter K L Ng
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FOREWORD  It
is highly appropriate that the Singapore Science Centre should publish this
booklet about the freshwater fishes of Singapore and draw popular interest
to a little known aspect of our natural heritage. Studies
on the taxonomy, ecology and distribution of the freshwater fishes of Singapore
have been well documented in scientific journals and it is significant that
even as early as the 1930s, decreasing fish populations had already been
noted. The major factor leading to their depletion was the destruction of
the original vegetation which took place in the last century, mainly as
a result of shifting cultivation. By 1880, more than half the forests had
been destroyed. Removal of this protective cover not only promoted rapid
run-off but also resulted in increasing water temperatures. Forest insects,
which are an important food for many species of fishes, no longer become
available.  The vulnerable
freshwater ecosystem has long been in danger of total habitat destruction.
More recently, the accidental or wilful release of exotic species associated
with the aquarium fish trade could pose a threat to the native species by
competing with the latter for food and space. Interestingly though, the
Guppy which found its way into local fresh waters more than 90 years ago,
lives in highly polluted localities and occupies a niche that is toxic to
the native species. On
1st September 1975 a significant development took place when government
passed the Water Pollution Control and Drainage Act (No 29 of 1975).
Monumental efforts have since been undertaken in cleaning up our waterways
and fishes now abound in the inland estuaries. Perhaps cyprinids and anabantids
will begin to flourish where once thrived the ubiquitous Guppy. Eric
R Alfred |
Introduction Freshwater habitats Fishes in Singapore Conservation Amazing Fishy Facts About the guidebook |
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From A Guide to Common Freshwater Fishes of Singapore by Kelvin K P Lim and Peter K L Ng Published by the Singapore Science Centre and sponsored by BP @Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research and Singapore Science Centre |