Morphometric variation and reproductive aspects of the coral hind grouper (Cephalopholis miniata) harvested in the northern coast of Aceh, Indonesia

The coral hind grouper (Cephalopholis miniata) is one of the essential fisheries commodities in Indonesia and the Aceh region. However, scientific data on its morphometrics and biology are limited. This study aimed to observe the morphometric, meristic, length frequency distribution, sex ratio, gonad development stage, gonad somatic index, and fecundity of C. miniata fished from the northern coast of Aceh, Indonesia. The study was conducted from June 2020 to January 2021. Cephalopholis miniata samples were obtained from Pelabuhan Perikanan Samudera (PPS) Lampulo, Kuta Alam District, Banda Aceh, Indonesia. The samples were analyzed at the Laboratory of Genetics and Aquatic Biodiversity, Faculty of Marine Fisheries, Universitas Syiah Kuala. In total, 184 specimens of C. miniata were measured during this study. Out of 184, 60 samples were used in the morphological measurement. The results showed that the total length of C. miniata fish caught in the northern waters of Aceh ranged between 75-295 mm (average 211 ± 30 mm) and not yet reached the maximum size, with female fish dominating the samples. The gonadal maturity level mainly was stage II, with the peak of spawning occurring in October. The GSI value of C. miniata fish ranged from 0.01-4.77%, with the length at first mature of 205 mm TL. Besides, the total fecundity produced by C. miniata ranged from 7,126-to 279,785 eggs. The fecundity of C. miniata was positively correlated with the total length, body weight, and weight of the gonads. This study provides baseline data on the morphometric, meristic, and reproductive biology of grouper C. miniata in the northern waters of Aceh, beneficial as a reference for further research.