P'ng, Huey Min (2004) Size at sexual maturity and sex reversal of the commercially important grouper, Plectropomus leopardus (SERRANIDAE). Universiti Malaysia Sabah. (Unpublished)
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Abstract
Serranidae or commonly called groupers or kerapu are economically important in Malaysia and in Southeast Asia in the Live Reef Food Fish Trade but scientific information on this family of coral reef fishes in Malaysia is poor. I studied the onset of sexual maturity and sex reversal of Plectropomus leopardus, a commercially important serranid that grows to a maximum size of 80 cm SL and is a protogynous species. Samples were from Kudat Fish Market during the period August to December, 2004. Standard measurements were taken on the samples and the gonads were examined macroscopically for sex and histologically for sexual maturity and sex reversal. Sex reversal of P. leopardus occurs earlier than expected at less than 60 % of SL and 80 % of SL, respectively. P. leopardus in Sabah attain sexual maturity at 38 cm SL and changes sex at 46 cm SL (58 % of maximum size). The earlier sex reversal may be an adaptation to the high fishing pressure on the P. leopardus populations in Sabah and requires a management response. More samples and further studies on stock, migration, and spawning aggregations are needed to gather a complete scientific understanding of the species for management. However, the reproductive information in this study could be used in a precautionary approach in establishing biological regulations (e.g., allowing exploitation of fish at least 50 cm SL) for the conservation and sustainable use of this marine resource.
| Item Type: | Academic Exercise |
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| Keyword: | Serranidae, Live Reef Food Fish Trade, coral reef fishes, sexual maturity, sex reversal of Plectropomus leopardus |
| Subjects: | S Agriculture > SH Aquaculture. Fisheries. Angling |
| Department: | SCHOOL > School of Science and Technology |
| Depositing User: | SITI AZIZAH BINTI IDRIS - |
| Date Deposited: | 08 Oct 2013 12:45 |
| Last Modified: | 17 Oct 2017 12:05 |
| URI: | https://eprints.ums.edu.my/id/eprint/7205 |
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