Journal of the Marine Biological Association of India

Age and growth of Metapenaeus monoceros (Fabricius) along the Kakinada Coast

Volume 32 Issue 1&2

G. Sudhakara Rao and B. Krishnamoorthi

Abstract

Age and growth of Metapenaeus monoceros have been estimated separately for males and females by length-frequency analysis in view of the differential growth observed in the species. Modes traceable for three months were considered for the application of Food-Walford plot to estimate growth parameters. L∞ for- males and females is estimated as 178.4 mm and 207.3 mm respectively. The K values are estimated as 1.68 for males and 1.62 for females. Values of t₀ obtained by the method of Gulland are 0.048 years and 0.066 years for males and females respectively. Von Bertalanfly equations are derived as:

Males .. I_t - 178.4 [1—e –l.68 (t-0.048)]

Females .. I_t ' = 207.3 [1—e -1.62 (t-o.066)]

The females are found to grow faster and attain higher asymptotic length with lower K value compared to males. The lengths attained by males and females respectively are 95 mm and 105 mm at the end of 6 months, 142 mm and 162 mm at the end of 12 months and 163 mm and 187 mm at the end of 18 months.

Date : 31-12-1990