Growth patterns and condition factor of the mudskipper (Periophthalmus gracilis) in mangrove ecosystem rehabilitation areas in Banda Aceh and Aceh Besar, Indonesia

The mudskipper is one of the fishes that inhabit mangrove ecosystems. Its growth and distribution is influenced by food sources, tidal action, and environmental factors. The aims of the research were to analyze the growth patterns and condition factors of the mudskipper, Periophthalmus gracilis Eggert, inhabiting mangrove ecosystem rehabilitation areas in Banda Aceh and Aceh Besar, Aceh Province, Indonesia. The research period in these mangrove ecosystems was from August to October 2020. The research was conducted at three sampling stations using the purposive sampling method to determine their location. The mudskippers caught at each station were identified and body length and weight were measured. Physicochemical water parameters were measured directly at the sampling stations to determine the suitability of them for mudskipper growth and occurrence. The mean total lengths (TL) and weights (W) of the mudskipper specimens caught at stations 1, 2, and 3 were 52.0 mm and 6.2 g; 53.5 mm and 6.4 g, and 56.0 mm 6.7 g, respectively. The growth patterns of the mudskippers from the three sampling stations were negative (b < 3), and Fulton’s condition factor (K) exceeded 1. The K value at stations 1, 2, and 3 ranged from 1.28 to 3.62, 1.15 to 3.56, and 1.05 to 3.89, respectively. The relative weights (Wr) at the three stations were 103.8 ± 26.5, 104.3 ± 29.3, and 104.1 ± 28.2, respectively. Wr >100 indicated that there was sufficient food availability, low predator density, and the environment was in equilibrium. Furthermore, physicochemical water parameters at the study stations were suitable and within optimal ranges for the mudskipper. Significant differences in total length were noted among specimens from the three stations (P < 0.05); however, no significant differences in body weight were noted at them (P > 0.05).