Sexual Characteristics of Nemipterus peronii (Valenciennes, 1830) in the Bali Strait

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 1. Aquaculture Study Program, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Science (FIKKIA), Airlangga University, Indonesia 2. Sustainability Aquaculture and Environment Research Group, Airlangga University, Indonesia

2 Department of Marine, Fisheries and Marine Faculty, C Campus Jl. Mulyorejo Surabaya 60115. Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia.

3 Department of Aquatic Resources Management, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Universitas Negeri Gorontalo. Dulalowo Timur, Gorontalo 96128, Gorontalo, Indonesia.

4 Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia

5 Borneo Marine Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Sabah

10.21608/ejabf.2025.412904.6390

Abstract

Nemipterus peronii is a demersal fish species distributed in the Indo-Pacific region and is one of the main fishing targets. This fish is very popular because it is available throughout the year. However, the high demand and intensity of fishing threaten the sustainability of its population. Moreover, limited information about this species hinders effective regulation and management efforts. This study aimed to analyze reproductive aspects such as differences in primary and secondary sexual characteristics between males and females, as well as gonadal maturity levels and growth patterns. A total of 300 samples of N. peronii were used in this study. Morphometric and meristic data were analyzed using a t-test with a 95% confidence level to identify differences between males and females. In addition, histological observations of the gonads were conducted to determine the stages of gonadal maturity in both sexes. No sexual dimorphism was detected in the external characteristics of males and females. Interestingly, several morphometric parameters in male N. peronii were significantly (P< 0.05) larger than in females. However, no significant differences were observed in the meristic parameters. Histological analysis showed that oocyte development in this species is asynchronous, allowing spawning to occur over an extended period. Furthermore, the growth pattern of N. peronii in both males and females was found to be isometric.

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