Fecundity and temporal reproductive cycle of four finger threadfin (Eleutheronema tetradactylum) in Malaysian coastal water

Abstract

Several aspects of the reproductive biology of four finger threadfin, Eleutheronema tetradactylum collected from coastal waters of Sebatu, Malacca, Peninsular Malaysia between August 2009 and October 2010 were studied to describe the fecundity and temporal reproductive cycle. Temporal reproductive cycle was reviewed utilizing monthly changes in Gonadosomatic Index (GSI) and macroscopic observation of ovaries. Estimated fecundity of mature ovaries ranged from 341,358-1,114,757 eggs with a Total Length (TL) that range from 38.0-55.5 cm. The estimated average fecundity was 663,078±76,935. The relative fecundity ranged from 393-1202 eggs g-1 b.wt. with induced a 657±68 mean value. According to our findings; a linear correlation appeared between the estimated Fecundity (F), Ovary Weight (OW), Body Weight (BW) and Total Length (TL) show. Present results also indicate that four finger threadfin fish has a lengthy spawning season starting from March-September in Malacca coastal waters of Peninsular Malaysia. © 2012 Academic Journals Inc.