Reproductive Phenology and Size Structure Characteristics of Hypseleotris agilis (Herre, 1927) in Lake Mainit, Philippines

Abstract

Hypseleotris agilis locally known as Bugwan is a native species and one of the most abundant fishes of commercial value in Lake Mainit, Philippines. A total of 1,584 H. agilis from Lake Mainit near the mouth of Kalinawan and Puyo River were caught from May 2018 to February 2019 to determine the length-weight relationship (LWR), condition factor (K), gonadosomatic index (GSI) and hepatosomatic index (HSI) of this species. Positive allometric growth was observed for both sexes (b>3). Sex ratio indicated the dominance of males over females as much as 58.7%. The number of ripe males and gravid females was observed throughout the months of the collection, which indicates the ability of the fish species to spawn continuously throughout the year. Determination of GSI in both sexes showed higher values during November (males) and December (females). However, HSI values were relatively low during the spawning season, which would indicate the usage of energy for gonadal maturation. The K factor showed high values during the peak spawning months, directly proportional to GSI values. This study provides updated information for management and conservation of this important fishery resource in Lake Mainit.