Showing papers in "Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society in 1967"

On Some Aspects of the Biology of Coilia Dussumieri (Cuv. and Val.)

Abstract: The smaller sized individuals of C. dussumieri apparently inhabit shallower and inshore waters, while the larger fish live in deeper and OS-shore waters. The inshore waters are fished intensively during the monsoons, resulting in a preponderance of fish below a length of 110 mm in the catch. Due to the protracted spawning period of the fish, there is no progression of modes in the monthly length frequency distributions. The size at first maturity has been estimated at 131-140 mm. The sex ratio of 53 41 males: 46 59 females deviates significantly from the 50:50 ratio. Males outnumber females in higher length groups, probably because the females migrate to offshore grounds at a smaller size.. The spawning season probably extends from September to March. The fish has a protracted spawning period and spawns more than once in each spawning season, The total number of possible spawnings has been estimated at three, from the ratio of the number of ova in the last batch to the number of remaining maturing eggs,. The ponderal index curve changes slope at 130 mm., considered to be the size at first maturity, There are no regular seasonal variations in the ponderal index. Fecundity is estimated at 1200 to 4200 eggs per spawning.

Kachal, a Tackle for File fish (Family Balistidae: Pisces)

Abstract: To suit local exigencies and condition several indigenous types of gear have been developed by fishermen from ancient times which though primitive and crude in appearance are efficient in their own way. One such gear is the Kaehal, used to capture the file-fish (Balistidae) along the south-west coast of India between Muttum and Vizhingam. Since good results are obtained at little cost, the gear is used extensively by fishermen.

A Note on the Torch (Soonthu) Fishing for White bait Off Rameswaram in Palk Bay

Abstract: At least two species of White-Bait (genus Anchoviella) namely, A. indica and A. commersonii frequently occur in the fish catches from Palk Bay and the Gulf of Mannar in the vicinity of Mandapam. While adults are caught in limited quantities almost round the year in shore seines, bag nets and trawl nets, young ones of these species are caught in large numbers especially in shore seines, during March-April and September to November.