Abstract:
: The present study provides scientific information
on the growth pattern and relative condition of shortfin scad,
Decapterus macrosoma Bleeker landed in Banjarmasin
fishing port, Indonesia. A total of 313 individual scad
comprising 178 males and 135 females ranging from 152 to
225 mm total length and from 37 to 110 g weight were
investigated. The body shape of both males and females
showed isometric growth patterns indicating that all body
dimensions grew at the same rate. The regression coefficient
was significantly different between the sexes. The total length
(TL), body weight (W), body depth (BD), W/TL, and BD/TL
ratios and condition factors of the females were comparatively
higher than those of males. The highest percentage of the
catch was between 180 and 189 mm TL (32.59–40.45%) and
50 and 59 g W (20.65-21.79%). The relative condition factor
values ranged from 0.799 to 1.433, which reflected the good
condition of the fish samples. The estimated length at first
capture (Lc50) and selection factor values were 180 mm and
3.54 for males and 185 mm and 3.64 for females. In the
present work, the purse seine was considered to be a
male-biased gear, with a sex ratio of 1.3 : 1. The outcomes of
this research could be useful for sustainable pelagic fisheries
management and for developing precautionary measures to
prevent the overexploitation of this species. Keywords: Decapterus macrosoma, Isometric, Masalima
Sea, Banjarmasin fishing port
