Size Variation of River Catfish (Mystus sp.) and It's Relationship to Cadmium (Cd) Heavy Metal and pH in Blanakan River, Subang

The Blanakan River is the habitat for many fish species, including river catfish (Mystus sp.). River catfish is a freshwater fish that can survive in the polluted aquatic environment. This fish is also consumed by people living near the river. The Blanakan river is polluted by human activities such as agriculture, transportation, and mining. These activities make heavy metals may expose the waters. Correspondingly, this study aims to determine the size variation of river catfish and its relationship with Cadmium (Cd) and pH parameter in water. Water and fish samples are collected from two stations. The pH was measured directly from water as well as the length and weight of fish. The concentration of Cadmium (Cd) in water was analyzed using AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer). The result showed that the value of pH and Cd concentration was 5.78 – 6.64 and 0.03 ppm – 0.10 ppm, respectively. While the ranges for fish length and weight were 13,20 cm – 13,59 cm and 30.69 gr – 34.7 gr. To conclude, the increase in pH can increase the size of fish. In contrast, the increase in Cd reduces the size of fish.