Sexual Dimorphism Characterization of Splendid threadfin (Philimanus perplexa Feltes, 1991)

Abstract

Filimanus perplexa is among fish species with high economic value. It has a flattened body shape and yellowish body color. Another characteristic of F. perplexa is seven free filaments on the pectoral fin whose exceeds the anal fin. These species do not show sexual dimorphisms. Therefore, a taxonomic study is needed to distinguish male and female individuals of Kurau fish. Differences between male and female fish can be seen in their morphological performance, truss morphometrics, and meristic characters. The purpose of this study was to know morphological characters that can be used to differentiate between male and female individuals of Splendid threadfin fish. The method used in this research surveys. Samples were taken by purposive random sampling technique. Samples of Kurau fish were obtained from PPI Tanjungsari Pemalang. The variables observed were the morphological performance, truss morphometrics distances, and meristic characters. Morphological data were analyzed descriptively. The truss morphometrics character was statistically analyzed using a t-test on SPSS Version 16.0 program. Furthermore, meristic characters were analyzed descriptively. The results showed that male and female individuals of Kurau fish could be differentiated based on truss distance, where males individuals have larger body sizes and are relatively longer than females. Morphological performance and meristic characteristics cannot be the difference between male and female Kurau fish.