Possible Spawning Aggregations of Plectropomus leopardus at Lankayan Island, Malaysia

Fung, Chen Chung and Komilus, Connie Fay (2012) Possible Spawning Aggregations of Plectropomus leopardus at Lankayan Island, Malaysia. [Conference or Proceeding]

Text Chung-Komilus-2012.pdf Restricted to Repository staff only Download (167kB)

Abstract

Spawning aggregations of coral trout Plectropomus leopardus have never been reported in Malaysia. This paper is the first preliminary field observation of small aggregations of coral trout reached up to maximum of 44 fishes at Lankayan Island, Sugud Islands Marine Conservation Area (SIMCA), Malaysia. The aggregation abundance showed temporal variation related to moon phase and availability of food sources. Generally, peak aggregation formed in May/ June and August/November. We observed colour variations during aggregation with obvious dark and pale phases. Coral trout displayed contrast color variation believed to be an important mechanism for sex-specific communication strategy. Correlation indicated that color variations altered according to total length (TL) of coral trout. Observations showed that coral trout with TL of more than 36 cm were mostly in the dark phase during aggregation. Aggregation occurred at the reef slope at depths ranging from 12 to 22 m. Coral trout with a mixture of dark and pale phases patrolled along the slope exhibiting territorial defense behaviour. Open jaw and side-waving behaviour observed in dark-phase coral trouts suggested behaviours indicative of a spawning aggregation. This study suggests that a decade of protection of SIMCA that offers opportunities for recovery of an exploited fish stock which is important for long term sustainability and management of the species.

Item Type:	Conference or Proceeding
Creators:	Fung, Chen Chung and Komilus, Connie Fay
Title:	Possible Spawning Aggregations of Plectropomus leopardus at Lankayan Island, Malaysia
Date:	2012
Location:	Reef Guardian Website
Publication:	Reef Guardian Sdn Bdn.
Physical Description:	6p.
Agency Name:	Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
Date Deposited:	12 Aug 2026 07:30
Last Modified:	12 Aug 2026 07:30
URI:	http://myagric.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/25128

Actions (login required)

View Item