Estimation of first maturity size of dolphinfish Coryphaena hippurus Linnaeus in the Molucca Sea, North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract

This study aims to estimate the smallest size of mature individuals that can be exploited. Fish samples of Coryphaena hippurus were collected from Kalinaun fishermen's catches in the Molucca Sea. They were sexed, then the fork length (FL) and maturity stage were recorded. Results showed that C. hippurus in the Molucca Sea had a sex ratio of 1:1.94 (p < 0.05). Males had a length range of 499-831 mm FL and females were in the length range of 481-813 mm FL. Size at first maturity was estimated as 529 mm FL for males with a range of 475-588 mm FL and 405 mm FL for females. This study provided basic information for future management needs of the dolphinfish, especially in the Molucca Sea.