Morphometric study of pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) in the coastal area of Banda Aceh

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze and to assess differences in morphometric characteristic of Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) found in the coastal area of Banda Aceh, specifically at Tibang region (mangrove forests of the city, Tibang’s river mouth and reservoirs) and Ulee Lheue region (Deah Baro mangrove, Ulee Lheue fishing harbor, and the estuary area of Banda Seafood). The research used purposive sampling method, with sample collected using line transect method. Three morphometric characteristics measured in the study were total length (PT), width (L) and height (H). Obtained morphometric data was then analyzed using univariate approach (ANOVA). The result indicates significantly different (P <0.05) morphometric characteristics of Pacific oyster (PT, L and T) in the waters of Banda Aceh where the Pacific oyster in Tibang region showed greater result of total (PT), width (L) and height (H) compared to Ulee Lheue region (PT=33.22-82.63: 20.40-39.71; L=42.60-116.70: 40.54-96.36; and T=21.83-140.31: 21.04118.85). Furthermore, the result was validated using discriminant function analysis (DFA) which aimed to explore the contribution of each morphometric characteristics in classifying oyster population at different locations. DFA analysis shows there are morphometric variations of Pacific oyster at these regions, however, the morphology of the populations is clustered and overlapping therefore it can be concluded they are the same species (Crassostrea gigas).