Correlation of otolith morphometry with length and weight in barracuda Sphyraena forsteri (Cuvier, 1829) at the Coastal Fishing Port of Tasikagung Rembang, Central Java

Abstract

Barracuda (Sphyraena forsteri) is often caught in the waters of the Java Sea using purse seine fishing gear. Therefore, this study aims to determine the relationship between fish length and weight and barracuda otolith morphometry. The samples used consisted of 155 barracuda, 103 males and 52 females, collected from fishermen who fished in the Java Sea and landed their catch at the Tasikagung Coastal Fishing Port in November 2023. Morphometric measurements of otoliths included length, weight, width, area, and perimeter. The shape index was calculated based on six descriptors, including Aspect Ratio (AR), Ellipticity (E), Circularity (C), Roundness (RO), Rectangularity (Rt), and Form Factor (FF). The results showed that the barracuda otoliths were elongated and had an irregular surface and a convex shape. There were significant differences in otolith morphology between the left and right sides in weight, width, area and perimeter. In contrast, there are substantial differences in weight and width between female and male otoliths. The growth in length and weight of barracuda has a positive relationship to otolith morphometry, and the strongest relationship was found in the relationship between the length and weight of the fish, and the length and weight of the otolith.