Biological aspects of shortfin scad (Decapterus macrosoma) in Bulukumba Regency, Gulf of Bone, Indonesia based on purse seine catch

Small pelagic schooling fish such as the shortfin scad (Decapterus macrosoma) are targeted
by purse seine fisheries. The purpose of this study was to analyse some biological aspects of the shortfin scad caught by purse seine fisheries in the waters of Gulf of Bone, including length-weight relationship, length-frequency distribution, sex ratio, condition factor, and stages of gonad development. The study was conducted from March to April 2019 in Herlang, Bulukumba Regency, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. All data were analysed using the statistics tools in MS Excel 2010. The growth pattern of the shortfin scad was allometric positive. The dominant size class (fork length) was 21.01-22.50 cm (mean 21.75 cm). The sex ratio was female-biased with almost 70% comprised of females. The catch was dominated by immature and maturing fish (76.5%) with a very low percentage of fish that had reproduced. The condition factor range was 0.94 to 1.04 for females and 0.84-1.06 for males. These results indicate
abundant food sources capable of supporting the survival and growth of this species.