Morphometrics and Growth Patterns of Halfbeak Fish (Nomorhamphus sp.) in Moramo River, South Konawe Regency

Abstract

Halfbeaks (Nomorhamphus sp.) are freshwater fishes that inhabit the Moramo River. Data and scientific information of this species are still limited. This study aims to determine the morphometric characters and growth patterns of halfbeak fish in the Moramo River. This research was conducted from April to June 2020. The fish was caught using a modified seine net. The length of the net is 15 m, width 1.2 m, and mesh size 0.5 x 0.5 inches. There is a pocket in the middle of the net with 40 cm of diameter and 1.5 m of length. The fish were separated by sex, weighed, and preserved using 4% formalin. Measurement of 22 morphometric characters using calipers with an accuracy of 0.1 mm. A total of 120 fish were caught, with 60 males and 60 females. Male fish have body lengths and weights ranging from 40.5-71 mm and 0.45-2.93 g, while female fish have body lengths and weights ranging from 43.5-91.5 mm and 0.5-5.74 g. The results of the growth patterns of male and female halfbeaks are negative allometric (b<3).