Central Sulawesi Lakes - A Global Ecoregion
The deepest lake in Southeast Asia
Snapshot: Ecoregion 188
Size:
127,000 sq. km (51,000 sq. miles)
Habitat type:
Small Lakes
Geographic Location:
Indonesia
Conservation Status:
Vulnerable
Quiz Time!
How deep is Lake Matano?
Answer:
The surface of Lake Matano is located at 1,253 feet (382 m) above sea level, but it is over 1,969 feet (600 m) deep. Thus, the bottom of the lake is actually below sea level.
About the Area
The old, isolated lakes of Central Sulawesi host a very distinctive and highly endemic biota. Lake Matano, the deepest lake in Southeast Asia and the eighth deepest in the world, is also a part of this ecoregion. There are several groups of fishes, crabs, prawns, and mollusks that are a product of species radiations.
Local SpeciesApproximately 60 endemic mollusks, over 25 endemic fish, 10 shrimps, and 3 crabs are known from the central Sulawesi lakes. The Matano-Towuti lake system alone harbours 20 fish, 12 mollusks, one endemic snake, and 7 plants. Lake Matano and the nearby lakes also support many rare aquatic plants, including floating ferns.
Species radiations have occurred in the following fish families: the Sailfin silversides (Telmatherinidae), Halfbeaks (Hemiramphidae), and Ricefishes (Adrianichthydae). Distinctive species include Matano ricefish (Oryzias matanensis), Matanna water snake (Enhydris matannensis), and an endemic Goby (Glossogobius matanensis).
Threats
Potential threats to the freshwater fauna include lakeshore nickel mining, commercial fishery development, species introductions, and the effects of human population growth.
Resources
• NationalGeographic.com
