Author(s): B. Sundaramoorthy, V.K. Venkataramani, P. Jawahar, N. Neethiselvan

Abstract: Population characteristics and fishery of Western King Shrimp Penaeus (Melicertus) latisulcatus were studied along Thoothukudi coast for the period of two years from April 2006 and March 2008. Samples were collected from both mechanized and traditional vessels, to analyse various growth parameters and the status of fishery. Juveniles within the length range of 100 mm constituted more than 40% of the catch during the months of August, September, October and February. Year round poor catch rate revealed lesser catchability of this species to trawl particularly during day time. Year round spawning was recorded for this species with a peak during June and December. The values of ‘L’ and ‘K’ were estimated as 233.80mm and 2.10 respectively. Seasonal variation was found to have definite impact on the growth characteristics of this species. High’ value revealed the conducive environmental conditions prevailing for the P. latisulcatus. The exploitation ratio (F/Z) was estimated as 0.21, which reveals further scope for the exploitation of this species particularly during night hours owing to its nocturnal feeding habit.

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