Growth Pattern of Skipjack Tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis Linnaeus, 1758) Caught with Hand Lines in Majene Waters, West Sulawesi, Indonesia

Majene, a coastal area in Indonesia, is rich in fish resources – specifically skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis). Most fishermen in the area often use a tool called hand lines to catch skipjack tuna, which reduces the number of catches. Therefore, this research aimed to determine the growth pattern of skipjack tuna in Majene waters. Sampling was carried out monthly from July–September 2023 at the fish landing site in Majene City, West Sulawesi, among local fishermen who normally use hand lines to catch fish. The sample specimen was analyzed in the Fish Laboratory of Sulawesi Barat University. The total length of skipjack tuna used as the sample was measured with a digital caliper having an accuracy of 0.01 mm. Furthermore, the body weight of the sample was determined using a digital scale with an accuracy of 0.01 g. The results showed that the equation for the relationship between the fish length and weight based on sampling time was W = 0.0019L3.5954 and W = 0.0023L3.5308 in July and August. The analysis indicated that the equation for the relationship between the fish length and weight based on sex was W = 0.0027L3.4783, W = 0.0012L3.7569, and W = 0.0019L3.5981 for males, females, and the combined sample. In conclusion, skipjack tuna in Majene waters were classified as having a positive allometric growth pattern (b > 3), where body weight tended to increase faster than body length. This suggests that the fish may be adapting to the selective pressures imposed by fishing practices. Therefore, the findings underscore the importance of considering fishing pressure, as it can significantly influence their biological characteristics and adaptive strategies.