Biometric and biochemical characteristics of glass eels (Anguilla spp.) collected from Cimandiri Estuary, Sukabumi Regency, Indonesia

Abstract

Glass eel viability determines the success of cultivation and governs recruitment variability, as seeds in aquaculture are recruited to its population. This study aimed to examine the quality of glass eels by using biometric measurements coupled with proximate content. Glass eels were collected monthly using lift-net fishing gear in the Cimandiry Estuary from December 2020 to April 2021. Biometric aspects were examined for length, weight, eye diameter, heart, and liver, whereas proximate analysis was run on proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and ash. The results showed that length and weight steadily increased between months, although the condition factor was indifferent. Eye diameter and mouth opening confirmed the vision of diurnal predatory fish. The heart and liver have demonstrated metabolic capability, and fast-swimming fish favor migratory catadromous fish. Proximate content demonstrated insignificant fluctuations between months and did not confirm the biometric development of the glass eel. However, the glass eels in April were the largest in size, which might be the best for aquaculture and survival in the recruitment process.