The Comparative Study of Capture Techniques for Taxonomic Study of Wrasses

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Suchai Worachananant
Pasinee Worachananant
Vipoosit Manthachitra
Rodney William Carter

Abstract

This study considers the variation of catch methods of wrasses for taxonomic study. Since most wrasses live in coral reefs, non-destructive methods are preferred. Four methods of a small spear gun, gill net, scoop net and baited hook were used to collect the fish samples. The gill net was the most successful capture method in terms of specimens and number of individuals caught, followed by the scoop net, baited hook and small spear gun. Given the diversity of sizes caught, the catch was divided into small (4-10 cm), medium (11-20 cm) and large (21-100 cm) sizes. The gill net proved to be the most successful capture method for all sizes, while the small spear gun and baited hook were successful only for medium and large fish, respectively. However, the scoop net was suitable for the capture of small and medium sized wrasses, although the quantity and diversity were less than the gill net. Wrasses are usually solitary or occur in pairs, but some form small schools, particularly in the juvenile phase. Accordingly, this study also divided the species caught into those that were solitary or in pairs, and schooling. Again, the gill net proved to be the most successful catch method, following by the scoop net, baited hook and small spear gun. The gill net is suitable equipment for both solitary and schooling wrasses, while the baited hook is effective only for solitary fish.

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Worachananant, S., Worachananant, P., Manthachitra, V., & Carter, R. W. (2017). The Comparative Study of Capture Techniques for Taxonomic Study of Wrasses. Journal of Fisheries and Environment, 40(3), 126–137. Retrieved from https://li01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/JFE/article/view/84466
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