Glass fish (Kurtus gulliveri) reproduction aspects at kumbe river estuary, District of Mearuke, Province of Papua, Indonesia

Abstract

Kumbe River estuary has strategic roles for fish resource sustainability located in District of Merauke. Kurtus gulliveri is a kind of original fish found only in the southern part of New Guinea Island with crucial economic value. This research aims for analyzing Kurtus gulliveri reproduction aspects which is found as dominant fish in Kumbe River estuary. It applies survey method by having three research stations in Kumbe River estuary. Fish samples have been collected for six months, from February to July, 2016. The mesh size of catching tool is 1; 1,5; 2 inch gillnets and seine shores. The samples that have been collected are preserved with 10% formalin. Reproduction parameters are sex ratio, Gonad maturity level, gonad maturity index and fecundity. Total sex ratio is unbalanced with comparison of 1:2,5 which means that number of male fish is lower than females. The highest gonad maturity level is at level IV in May. It indicates that fish are in spawning time and the highest time occurs in May, therefore, fishing should not be allowed in that month. Fish fecundity is ranging from 449 to 14.441 averaged 4.766 (±2.950). Based on this study, we found that the time for catching with high efficient and effective is in May due to the size and the amount of Glass fish is highest. Keywords: Reproduction, Fish, Estuary, Kumbe, Kurtus gulliveri