Distribution of flying fish species (Exocoetidae) in the waters of Ambon Island

Abstract

There are 71 species of flying fish (exocoetidae) in the world, 18 species in Indonesia, and ten species in Maluku. The southern waters of Ambon Island are potential areas for catching flying fish, but the species distribution has not been reported. This study aimed to determine the composition and distribution of flying fish species caught by gillnet in the southern Ambon Island waters. The study of flying fish species was carried out from February to June 2021. There were five dominant flying fish species distributed consistently based on their respective zones. The morphological identification revealed flying fish species which broadcast on the coast of the island respectively, namely: Cypselurus poecilopterus, Cheilopogon abei, Cheilopogon spilopterus with geographical position - 3°73′07″S – -3°92′01″S and 128°15′04″E – 128°44′08″E. The high seas were dominated by Cheilopogon furcatus dan Hirundichthys oxycephalus with position -4°14′08″S – -4°72′16″S and 128°28′05″E – 129°42′09″E. This information could be provided as a database for the management and sustainable use of flying fish resources to support Indonesia's National Fish Reserve or Lumbung Ikan Nasional (LIN).