Analysis of Morphometric and Meristic Characteristics of Horn-nosed Boxfish (Ostracion rhinorhynchos Bleeker, 1851): Implications for Conservation and Sustainable Management

Abstract

Morphometric and meristic characteristics are essential for fisheries resource conservation. This study analyzes the morphometric and meristic characteristics of the horn-nosed boxfish Ostracion rhinorhynchos . Samples were collected from fishermen’s catches landed at the Paotere Fish Auction Place, Makassar City, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. The research sample comprised 45 males and 45 females. Morphometric data consisted of 14 parameters, and meristic data consisted of 4 parameters. The t-test was used to compare the average values of morphometric parameters between male and female boxfish. Principal Component Analysis was used to analyze the morphometric characteristics between male and female fish populations. Morphometric parameters of male and female O. rhinorhynchos did not differ significantly, indicating no apparent sexual dimorphism in external morphology. However, morphometric features such as body height, fin length, and head length were influenced by fish body size; larger fish had higher morphometric traits. The meristic characteristics of O. rhinorhynchos were not influenced by sex because both had the same meristic formula. The results improve our understanding of the morphometric and meristic features of O. rhinorhynchos .

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