Some population parameters of Longhorn Cowfish Lactoria cornuta (Linnaeus, 1758) in Laikang Bay, Takalar District, South Sulawesi, Indonesia (preliminary study)

Abstract

Longhorn cowfish Lactoria cornuta is a boxfish species from the Ostraciidae family which inhabit in Indo-Pacific waters. This fish can reach lengths up to 50 cm. This fish has high economic value and traded as ornamental and fresh fish. Longhorn cowfish is a favorite fish at the seafood restaurants. It is caught by many fishermen in the waters of the Gulf of Laikang. Although of high economic value, Longhorn cowfish has not been studied in many aspects of its bioecology. This study aims to analyze some population parameters, such as sex ratio, length-weight relationship, growth, and ponderal index of longhorn cowfish in Laikang Bay Waters. The results of this study indicate that there was more male than female. The total length range of male was between male 65 - 155 mm, and female was 83 - 250 mm. The range of body weight of the male was 11.84 - 56.85 gr and female was 16.56 - 155.82 gr. Male and female growth curve were hypoalometric. The female ponderal indexwas greater than male.