Reproductive biology of endemic sailfin silversides fish Telmatherina antoniae Kottelat, 1991 in Matano Lake, South Sulawesi

Abstract

Abstract Sailfin silversides (Telmatherina antoniae) is an endemic species from Matano Lake, South Sulawesi. This study aims to learn about sailfin silversides’ reproductive aspects including sex ratio, length at first maturity, gonad maturity stage, gonad maturity index, fecundity, and egg diameter. Fish samples were taken using multifilament nets from March 2018 until February 2019. A total of 1,792 individuals fish comprises 922 males and 870 females were captured during the study period. The sex ratio was found in a balanced condition with 1.06:1. Length at first maturity for males and females were 48.08-57.73 mm and 56.78-68.55 mm, respectively. Based on sailfin silversides’ gonad maturity stage and maturity index are thought to be year-round spawning with a peak spawning season around March. The reproductive potential of sailfin silversides fish is estimated to be 179–1,690 eggs. Based on the egg diameter distribution, the sailfin silversides fish is classified as a partial spawner.