Reproductive aspects of the coastal trevally, Carangoides coeruleopinnatus in Terengganu Waters, Malaysia

Abstract

This study describes for the first time the reproductive biology of the coastal trevally (Carangoides coeruleopinnatus) (Ruppel, 1830) caught from Terengganu waters, Malaysia. Monthly sample collection from April 2019 to March 2020 was done at Pulau Kambing fish landing port in Terengganu, Malaysia. A total of 687 individuals comprise of 362 males (52.69%) ranged from 6.3 cm to 26.6 cm (mean ± SD: 13.2 ± 3.84 cm) and 325 females (47.31%) ranged from 9.0 cm to 26.4 cm (mean ± SD: 13.9 ± 3.34 cm) were observed. The sex ratio significantly deviated in favor of males (1 : 0.90) (χ2 = 1.99). However, there are significant differences between sexes over months in June (χ2 = 10.89), July (χ2 = 11.91), August (χ2 = 6.10) and September (χ2 = 4.41). The monthly variation of the gonadosomatic index (IG) peaked between February and April for males and females, indicating its spawning period. The interpretation between condition factor (K) and hepatosomatic index (IH) showed that the energy mobilization from the body assists the gonad maturation. The batch fecundity of 42 mature females ranged from 15.7 cm to 21.4 cm, and mass was 142.6 g–333.0 g giving 20,438 to 121,829 eggs. The length at first maturity of males and females were 12.45 cm and 15.78 cm, respectively. The male reached earlier maturity than the female. This study increases the understanding of reproductive aspects of C. coeruleopinnatus for future formulation of rules and regulations for suitable fishery management in Terengganu waters.

Keywords

• Carangoides coeruleopinnatus
• Fecundity
• Length at maturity (Lm)
• Reproduction
• Sex ratio
• Spawning period