Journal of the Marine Biological Association of India

Food of the catfish Tachysurus thalassinus (Rappel) along the Visakhapatnam Coast.

Volume 35 Issue 1&2

Y.Appanna Sastry

Abstract

Food habits of Tachysurus thalassinus which accounts for about 95% of the catfish caught by small commercial trawlers operating off Visakhapatnam during 1982-88 were examined. A total of 2966 fish in 60-599 mm length were analysed. The method of 'Index of Preponderance' was employed for analysis of the stomach contents. Crabs formed the dominant food item followed by stomatopods and prawns, the three items together accounted for 82% of the food consumed. The other items met with were squids and fishes. Intensive feeding activity was observed during June-July and December.

Date : 31-10-1993