Habitat and Morphological Characteristics of Halophila Ovalis in Malaysia

An assessment on habitat, environment and morphological characteristics of Halophila ovalis are described for the 11 locations. Halophila ovalis grew in variable habitats encompassing inter-tidal degraded coral reef platform (Teluk Kemang), sub-tidal shoal (Merambong, Tanjung Adang Laut, Tanjung Adang Darat of Johore), off-shore island (Pulau Tinggi), Inter-tidal lagoon (Merchang), sub-tidal degraded coral reef (Pulau Gaya, Pulau Bakkungan, Pulau Selingan of Sabah), sub-tidal estuary (Teluk Sepinong of Sabah) and inter-tidal beach front (Punang of Sarawak). Amongst these habitats, Merambong was visited at regular basis to obtain habitat characteristics and environmental factors. Halophila ovalis are found occurring at the depth ranging from 1.0 to 2.7 m MSL in shallow water. They grew on substrate; sand covered coral e.g. Teluk Kemang, calcareous muddy sand e.g. Merambong, Tanjung Adang Laut, Tanjung Adang Darat, fine sand e.g. Pulau Tinggi, muddy sand e.g. Merchang, Punang, corraline sand e.g Pulau Gaya, Pulau Bakkungan, Pulau Selingan, An assessment on habitat, environment and morphological characteristics of Halophila ovalis are described for the 11 locations. Halophila ovalis grew in variable habitats encompassing inter-tidal degraded coral reef platform (Teluk Kemang), sub-tidal shoal (Merambong, Tanjung Adang Laut, Tanjung Adang Darat of Johore), off-shore island (Pulau Tinggi), Inter-tidal lagoon (Merchang), sub-tidal degraded coral reef (Pulau Gaya, Pulau Bakkungan, Pulau Selingan of Sabah), sub-tidal estuary (Teluk Sepinong of Sabah) and inter-tidal beach front (Punang of Sarawak). Amongst these habitats, Merambong was visited at regular basis to obtain habitat characteristics and environmental factors. Halophila ovalis are found occurring at the depth ranging from 1.0 to 2.7 m MSL in shallow water. They grew on substrate; sand covered coral e.g. Teluk Kemang, calcareous muddy sand e.g. Merambong, Tanjung Adang Laut, Tanjung Adang Darat, fine sand e.g. Pulau Tinggi, muddy sand e.g. Merchang, Punang, corraline sand e.g Pulau Gaya, Pulau Bakkungan, Pulau Selingan, seagrass such as H. ovalis. Cultured H. ovalis from different locations also showed variation in morphology. Halophila ovalis has a wide range of variability in vegetative structure dimensions particularly the shapes of leaves and paired of cross veins counts and this variability explains their ecological adaptation to different habitats and environmental conditions.

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