Journal of the Marine Biological Association of India

Distribution and biology of Chlorophthalmus bicornis Norman, beyond 250m depth off the south west coast in the Indian EEZ

Volume 47 Issue 1

B. Madhusoodana Kurup, Jiji Thomas and S. Venu

Abstract

The distribution and biology of Chlorophthalrnus bicornis (Famiily: Chlorophthalmidae) were studied based on the samples collected from the trawling operations conducted onboard FORV Sugar Sampada in her five cruises (Lat. 7⁰N - 20⁰ N) during 1999-2002. Length-weight relationship of the species can be expressed as W= 2.79 L^2.88. This is a carnivorous species, feeding mainly on crustaceans and squids. Spawning was continuous as manifested by the presence of mature fishes in all trawling operations. Being a multiple spawner, truly spent specimens were scarcely found. The ovaries fall in the stages 111 to IV. The shoals were characterized by the preponderance of males.

Keywords

Chorophthalmus bicornis, biology, distribution and abundance, Indian EEZ

Date : 30-06-2005