Population Characteristics And Reproductive Biology Of Areolate Grouper Epinephelus Areolatus And Six-Barred Grouper Epinephelus Sexfasciatus From Terengganu Waters, Malaysia

Abstract

Grouper are highly preferred species for the local Malaysian market as well as for export. In view of their importance, a study on the population characteristics and reproductive biology of the grouper was carried out. In this study, fish samples were collected monthly from Pulau Kambing and Kuala Dungun landing ports from February 2014 to January 2015. Fish length and weight was measured and the gonads were macroscopically and microscopically examined. This study found 7 species of grouper with Epinephelus areolatus and Epinephelus sexfasciatus were two dominant species from both landing ports. The CPUE for both species from Pulau Kambing were lower compared to Kuala Dungun fish landing port. Meanwhile, the asymptotic lengths (L∞) for both species were higher at Pulau Kambing than Kuala Dungun. The length weight relationship analysis demonstrated that E. areolatus and E. sexfasciatus from both landing ports were negative allometric growth. The condition factor, K for E. areolatus from Pulau Kambing was higher compared to Kuala Dungun landing port. Meanwhile, the K value for E. sexfasciatus was vice versa. Howerver, the K values for both species shows that these species are above average condition.