Reproductive Ecology of the Java Rabbitfish, Siganus javus, in the Southern South China Sea

Takaomi Arai and Tan, Iy Vonne and Ching, Fui Fui and Norhayati Ahmad (2025) Reproductive Ecology of the Java Rabbitfish, Siganus javus, in the Southern South China Sea. Fishes, 10 (441). pp. 1-12. ISSN 2410-3888

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Abstract

Fish reproductive biology influences their life history and can impact their vulnerability to fisheries; therefore, for sustainable management and development, a proper understanding is crucial. Reproductive biology, including maturation, spawning season, fecundity, and sex ratio, was examined throughout the year in the Java Rabbitfish, Siganus javus, in the southern South China Sea. This study is the first to examine reproductive traits by collecting a total of 339 S. javus specimens monthly from September 2017 to August 2018 through detailed gonad histology. The spawning season of female S. javus was mainly restricted to July, August, October, and December, whereas male fish were found to spawn throughout the year. Inter-species variations in the spawning season were observed within the genus, which is influenced by interspecific spawning strategies and regional environmental factors. The sex ratio close to 1:1 suggests that the fish population is in equilibrium in the region. The fecundity of S. javus ranged from 1.8 × 105 to 12 × 105, which was similar to that of other species in Siganus, suggesting less inter- and intra-species variation in fecundity within the family. The middle maturation stage was absent throughout the year, probably due to the different habitat uses during their life history. Reproductive biology might influence other biological aspects, such as migration and behaviour in the fish.

Item Type:	Article
Keyword:	Coral fish, Gonad development, Maturation, Reproduction, Spawning
Subjects:	S Agriculture > SH Aquaculture. Fisheries. Angling > SH1-691 Aquaculture. Fisheries. Angling > SH201-399 Fisheries > SH328-329 Fishery management. Fishery policy
Department:	INSTITUTE > Borneo Marine Research Institute
Depositing User:	DG MASNIAH AHMAD -
Date Deposited:	23 Sep 2025 17:30
Last Modified:	23 Sep 2025 17:30
URI:	https://eprints.ums.edu.my/id/eprint/45210

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