Growth patterns and condition factor of fish live in Kuala Gigieng waters of Aceh Besar as the basic for sustainable fisheries development

Abstract

Information on the growth pattern and condition factor is crucial for fisheries management. Hence, the objectives of the present study were to determine the growth patterns and condition factor of three fishes species dominated and harvested in Kuala Gigieng waters, Aceh Besar. The observation was carried out from April to May 2019, and the determination of sampling location was conducted using the random stratified sampling method, which was thought to represent Kuala Gigieng waters. There were three repetitions in each sampling location (station). Based on the results of the study, three dominant fishes species harvested in the Kuala Gigieng waters were belanak (Mugil cephalus), kerong-kerong (Terapon jarbua), and bolo-bolo (Atherinomorus lacunosus) as many as 48, 35, and 54 individuals, respectively. The growth pattern in all three fishes were negative allometric (b<3), which means that the increase in fish body length was faster than the fish body weight. The results also showed the correlation coefficient (r) ranged from 0.716 to 0.852. A high correlation coefficient indicated a close relationship between weight gain and length. The value of the condition factor of the three fishes based on the relative weight value (Wr) was above 100, meant that adequate food availability or low predator density and showed the condition of Kuala Gigieng waters was still in balance environmental condition. Generally, the condition of the Kuala Gigeng waters was relatively good and it could support fish growth as well.