Studies on the maturation and spawning biology of the trenched sardine Amblygaster sirm (Walbaum) from Parangipettai coast revealed three distinct stages of ova viz. immature, mature and matured respectively with ova diameter of 0-19 mm, 0.19-0.42 and above 45 mm. Running gonads indicated a peak spawning during September-November nod another spawning during February-April. Also females were abundant during these peak spawning period (September-November). Females attain maturity at length of 160 mm and males at 150 mm. Fecundity ranged from 21,800 to 1,24,800 and was directly proportional to length and weight of the fish.

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