Diversity of marine tunicate from waters of Pannikiang Island and Badi Island of South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract. Litaay M, Piri R, Jabir NB, Priosambodo D, Putra AW. 2023. Diversity of marine tunicate from waters Pannikiang Island and Badi South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 1431-1437. The number tunicates is currently known for approximately 3000 species, but it estimated that there are still 1000-2000 more species have not been described globally. Spermonde Archipelago in Sulawesi a habitat various tunicates, all islands well explored. This study aims to expand the distribution map Archipelago, especially two (Pannikiang Island). diversity between islands, which different ecological conditions, compared this study. used line transect method along 20 m with combination plots at depth 5 meters. A was applied four locations according wind direction. All inside were recorded, counted, sub-sample collected identification purposes. data obtained analyzed using index (Chao-1, Shannon-wiener, Uniformity, Dominance). There total 35 (24 18 Nephtheis fascicularis, Didemnum molle, Clavelina robusta, Polycarpa aurata can be found on both islands. levels differ little common.