Study on aquatic environmental degradation has done a lot, but mostly based on physical and chemical of the waters, while  study of aquatic biota is still very limited. Aquatic biota able to demonstrate the real effect of pollution in the waters. Types of aquatic biota are often used in environmental studies including plankton, benthic organisms  and fish. Compared with other aquatic biota, fish is often used as an indicator of the environment because it is generally found in almost all bodies of water, taxonomy, ecology and life cycle requirements are generally easier to learn. Until now, this kind of fish as indicators of environmental quality of the water is still very limited. This paper presents the results of an inventory research of potentential fish species as an indicator of environmental quality waters conducted  at several sampling site along the Musi River, South Sumatra province. The lower part of this river is categorized as   moderate polluted area.  

Study was conducted  at 28 sampling site from the upper, middle and lower part of Musi river dranage area in April and June  2007, and in January  and 2008. Six species of fish observed include catfish,   Pangasius polyuronodon and Pangasius micronemus, Osteochilus schlegelli, Osteochilus melanopleura, Cyclocheilichtys enoplos, and Labeo chrysophekadion. Fish samples were collected from  local fishermen  fishing different type fishing gears and from fishing experiment using nets of various sizes and electric fishing.   

Out of six fish species observed, Pangasius polyuronodon and Pangasius micronemus, Cyclocheilichtys enoplos, and Labeo chrysophekadion have higher relative abundance in the polluted area (Pulokerto-Upang). This four fish species are potential to be used as pollution indicator in Musi river