Body Size and Morphological Characteristics in sex determination of Humphead Wrasse Cheilinus undulatus in captivity

Abstract

This study was aimed to identify the sex of humphead wrasse, Cheilinus undulatus kept in captivity based on body sizes and morphological characteristics. There were 65 tails of C. undulatus broodstocks reared in the captivity throughout six months of research period and fed daily with enrich prey fish (Sardinella sp.). Growth parameters and morphological characteristics such as presence of eyeline, hump on head and genital papillae, of the C. undulatus were carried out. These findings revealed in captivity, female of C. undulatus (n=13) attained an average body weight of 2.78 kg and total length 47.10 cm meanwhile male of C. undulatus attained larger body weight (14.62 kg) and total length exceeding size of female (89.30 cm). C. undulatus performed an isometric growth pattern (b = 2.9487) with condition factor of above 0.2. Morphologically, female was identified with the noticeable alleviation of the hump on its head and the visibility of eyeline behind its eyes which was not seen in male. This study concluded sex of C. undulatus in captivity is differentiated through body size and morphological features and take longer time in sex transition, thus balanced sex ratio for good broodstock management can be controlled to develop appropriate breeding protocol.