Abstract:
The Snakeskin gourami (Trichogaster pectoralis) from Sungai Batang swamp, Indonesia has high commercial value and high pressure on population caused by fishing, while
the fish growth condition is poorly studied. Samples of 848 fishes having size range of 75-200 mm (119.14±18.43 mm) total length (TL) and 5-132 g (29.76±14.76 g) weight were taken to estimate its length-weight relationship and condition factors. Local fishermen mostly collected them by using Lalangit (horizontal gillnet) and also electrofishing. The Snakeskin gourami grew allometrically (b=2.7748-2.8971), indicating that fish becomes slender as the length increases. Total length and weight of female were significantly higher than those of male (P<0.001). More than 21% of total catch was found between 105 and 114 mm TL, and more than 34% existed between 15 and 24 g weight classes. No statistical difference was observed in the percentage of catch number between male and female, as well as in condition factor (K) value of species (P>0.05). The mean K values obtained for male and female were 1.64±0.24 and 1.66±0.21, indicating that fish in the swamp was good condition. Outcomes of this study could be useful for fisheries management and conservation measures in this swamp.
