Maturity and Spawning of Flying Fish (Hirundichthys oxycephalus Bleeker, 1852) in Makassar Strait, South Sulawesi

Abstract

Flying fish, Hirundichthys oxycephalus Bleeker 1852 is one species with important social economic values. There are strong indications that this species is over-exploited in the waters of the Makassar Strait. This study aimed to analyse the spawning season, spawning frequency, level of productivity, and the length at first maturity. The spawning season analysis was based on GML (gonad maturity level) and GSI (gonad somatic index) distribution, while spawning frequency analysis was based on the distribution of egg diameter and gonad histology. Determination of size at first maturity used a formula based on the relationship between fish length and a 50% proportion of mature gonads. Determination of productivity level refers to the reproduction index criteria. The study found that flying fish begin to spawn between the months of February-March, with a spawning peak from June to July, and the spawning season ends around September-October. Flying fish spawn partially around 3-4 times in one season, with mature gonads starting to be found at a fork length of 151.5 mm. The flying fish productivity was classified as high, indicating potentially high resilience.