RESPONS PENGLIHATAN DAN PENCIUMAN IKAN KERAPU MACAN (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus) TERHADAP UMPAN BUATAN

Abstract

The use of bait for operation of a fishing gear has function to attract or stimulate fish approaching the gear, so as to increase its catchability. Response study on fish behavior especially for visual and olfactory organ is important to know the effectiveness of bait during fishing operation. The objectives of this study were to formulate artificial baits in different composition for increasing the catch effectiveness, to analysis visual and olfaction response of grouper (Epinephelus fuscogutattus) to artificial bait, and to estimate the effectiveness of artificial bait to catch grouper by using basket pot. The laboratory and fishing experiment methods were used. The bait formulations were A (fish oil 5%), B (fish oil 15%), C (fish oil 25%), and D (fish oil 35%). The increased of body length of E. fuscoguttatus influenced to visual acuity index. Optic tectum was a dominant sensor organ in E. fuscoguttatus, indicated that a vision was more important than olfaction for their activities. The different artificial baits resulted insignificantly difference on arousal and searching response to the baits, but finding response was significant difference (significant value: 0.047   0.05). The effect of baits was not significantly different to the grouper catch. The use of D bait was more effective than the natural bait (sea urchin). Key words: visual, olfaction, artificial bait, Epinephelus fuscoguttatus, basket pot