Meristic characters and length-weight relation of climbing perch (Anabas testudineus) from wetlands in Sigi District, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract

The climbing perch, Anabas testudineus Bloch 1972, is a valued freshwater fish with a wide distribution in South and Southeast Asia. This study examined the meristic counts and length-weight relation of climbing perch from Sigi District, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, close to the eastern extremity of the species distribution. Specimens collected from wetlands in Sigi District were weighed and measured (total length) to derive length–weight relation (n = 265) and meristic counts (n = 140). Length (L, in mm) – weight (W, in g) relation (W = a·Lb) parameter b = 2.98 overall; for females b = 3.06 while for males b = 2.88. Maximum length Lmax was 163 mm. The meristic formula using median values was D, XVII+8; A, X+9; P, 13; V, I+5; C, 16. Mean scale counts for both male and female climbing perch were: longitudinal 31 and vertical 15. There was no significant between-sex difference in meristic characters. Although the average growth pattern was isometric, males exhibited a slight allometric negative tendency. Low maximum size is consonant with other indications of a population under pressure, reinforcing the need for sustainable, holistic wetland management. In the context of domestication, high variability in meristic characters may indicate high genetic diversity and/or plasticity, which could provide scope for selective breeding.