Sex ratio, gonad maturity level and gonado-somatic index of snakehead (Channa striata) from Danau Bangkau, Indonesia

Abstract

The current research provides valuable information on the sex ratio, gonad maturity level (GML) and gonad somatic index (GSI) of snakehead (Channa striata) collected from Danau Bangkau, Indonesia. 150 individual snakeheads (265-432 mm total length and 264.8-949.6 g weight) were directly bought from local fishermen. This study was conducted from July to September 2021. The sex determination and measurement of fish samples were procedurally performed following standard criteria. The results showed that the sex ratio of males to females was 1:1.1. The most frequent GML was level II (48%), found in July (48%). The following were GML III (42%) in August and GML IV (40%) in September. GML V was also recognizable, proving that snakehead can be considered a partial spawner. The highest GSI value obtained was 2.77% for males and 7.43% for females in September. Water quality parameters were in the tolerance range for the growth and survival of snakehead in the investigated area.