Morphometric characteristic and condition factor of snakeskin Gourami (Trichogaster pectoralis) from Sungai Batang Swamp, Indonesia

The Snakeskin gourami (Trichogaster pectoralis) from Sungai Batang swamp, Indonesia has high commercial value and high pressure on population due to fishing, while the fish growth condition is poorly studied. A total of 848 fish ranging 75-200mm (119.14±18.43mm) (TL) and 5-132g (29.76±14.76g) were sampled to estimate its length-weight relationship and condition factors. Local fishermen mostly collected them using horizontal gill-net and also electrofishing device. Based on the results, the Snakeskin gourami grow allometrically (b=2.7748-2.8971), indicating that fish becomes slender as the length increases. Total length and weight of female were significantly higher than those of male (P 0.001). More than 21% of total catch was in 105-114 mm TL, and more than 34% existed 15-24g weight classes. No difference was observed in the percentage of catch number between male and female, as well as in condition factor (K) (P 0.05). The mean K values for male and female were 1.64±0.24 and 1.66±0.21, respectively, indicating that fish in the swamp is in good condition.