Growth Pattern of Rabbitfish (Siganus Guttatus) in Seagrass Habitat in the Tukak Waters

Abstract

The Baronang fish (Siganus guttatus) is an economically valuable species commonly found in seagrass ecosystems, which serve as critical habitats providing food, spawning, and nursery grounds. This study, conducted from June to August 2024, aimed to examine the length-weight relationship, growth patterns, and the influence of environmental parameters on Baronang fish growth. Fish samples were collected using beach seines of various mesh sizes. The length-weight relationship in June followed the model W = 0.12L².19 (R² = 0.72), in July W = 1.07L⁰.34 (R² = 0.99), and in August W = 2.72L⁰.674 (R² = 0.94), indicating varying degrees of correlation across months. Growth analysis using the von Bertalanffy model showed an asymptotic length (L∞) of 154.00 mm and a growth coefficient (K) of 0.51/year. In August, the estimated L∞ was 19.95 cm, K = 1.01/year, and t₀ = 0.176. The fish reached a length of 88.97 mm in the first year and 150.95 mm by the sixth year, with growth slowing down after this period. Environmental parameter analysis revealed that temperature had a significant positive effect on fish weight (B = 14.664, p < 0.001), while salinity (B = -5.920, p = 0.005) and dissolved oxygen (DO) (B = -28.357, p = 0.001) had significant negative effects. These findings highlight the importance of environmental conditions in regulating the growth of Siganus guttatus in seagrass ecosystems.