Biology of Flat Toadfish,Colletteichthys dussumieri(Valenciennes,1837) of Cochin Estuary

Dept.of Marine Biology,Microbiology and Biochemistry,Cochin University of Science and Technology

Systematics and biology of Fishes of family of the hemiramphidae of Cochin coast

This overall focus of the thesis involves the systematics and biology of fishes of the family hemiramphidae of cochin coast.India is one of the leading fish producing nations in the world with an average annual production of 6.1 million tonnes of fish and shell fish from capture and culture fisheries in 2001 (Ayyappan and Biradar, 2002).Fisheries play a very significant role in the Indian economy by providing employment to nearly 7 million people directly or indirectly, supplying rich protein food and earning valued foreign exchange.Fishes of the family Hemiramphidae are commonly called ‘half beaks‘.In India, studies on hemiramphids commenced with the work of Day (1878,1889) who recorded thirteen species of hemiramphids from the Indian waters.The study area, which is part of Cochin coast is located between Lat.9°28’ and 10° N and Long.76° 13’ and 76° 31 E. Lying parallel to it is an estuary which is commonly called the Cochin backwaters which has a total area of about 200 sq.miles.The study area is subjected to wide variations in salinity from place to place, season and surface to bottom.The Cochin coast and the adjacent back water system of Kerala has a rich and diversified fish fauna. The hemiramphid fishes constitute a minor fishery of this area.The study on the distribution and availability of hemiramphid fishes present in the Cochin coast shows that they evince different patterns of distribution.In the present study it is noticed that fecundity has high correlation with weight than length of the fish.Histological studies revealed that the spermatogenesis in both H. (H) limbatus and H.(H) xanthopterus, consists of spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes secondary, spermatocytes, spermatids and spermatozoa whereas in the oogenesis of both the species.biological study will be useful in implementation of proper measures of conservation and management so that further devastation of the hemiramphids of Cochin Coast can be controlled.

Studies on the Biology, Ecology and Fishery of the sea cucumber Holathuria (hetriatyla) scabra (Jaeger) from southeast coast of India

The distribution of the holothurian H. KH.) scabra indicated its availability all along coastal areas on Palk Bay from Rameswavam to Mallipattinam and along the Gulf of Hannah coast from Pamban to Ervadi and Tuticmhin,'at 4~2O m depth.The major fishing for holmthurians was done by skin diving at all the centres. The tallu valai was operated at Tuticorin and Vedalai and trawlevs were operated at Rameswaram.The fmod of H. KN.) scabra consists of ovganic matter which contains mud, sand, shell debris, bivalves and algae. Obsehvatinns indicated the species seems to be a n0n—se1ective feeder. The assimilation efficiency from sediment to faeces indicated that the faecal pellets of H. KH.) scabra are semidigested.A multiple relationship was fitted between total length, total weight, gutted weight, gonad weight and maturity stages were found significant.The fishing season for holothurians commences from October to March along Gulf of Manner coast and from March to October along Palk Bay coast.The percentage of catches recorded by skin diving, trawlere and tallu valai were 80.04%, 10.27% and 9.69% respectively. Skin diving contributes to maximum catch.The holothurians landed all along the Gulf of Manner and Palk Bay coasts constitute 25.6% and 74.4% respectively. This showed that Palk Bay coast is more productive.

Biology of Decapod crustaceans in different environmental conditions

This thesis Entitled Biology of Decapod crustaceans in different Environmental conditions. Prawn culture is practiced in Kerala in two types of fields namely seasonal and perennial; In seasonal fields paddy is grown during the monsoon period and prawns are cultured during the rest of the year. when compared to seasonal fields; perennial fields are subjected to much fluctuations in its environmental characteristics. The perennial fields were found more productive than seasonal fields. The benthic production in perronial fields were almost double that of seasonal fields. But in the matter of species diversity both fields were equal. Seasonal changes were observéd in the species abundance of benthic organisms in both the seasonal and perennial fields. Both isometric and allometric growth were noticed in P. indicus .But during most of the months the growth was near to isometric. The condition of the prawn also fluctuated between better and poor.During most of the months the prawn in perennial fields wore in good condition while in the seasonal fields the condition changed from year to year. This indicates that the perennial field provides a better habitat for P. indicus.

Distribution, diversity and biology of deep-sea fishes in the Indian EEZ

This thesis Entitled distribution ,diversity and biology of deep-sea fishes the indian Eez.Fishing rights and responsibilities it entails in the deep-sea sector has been a vexed issue since the mid-nineties and various stakeholders have different opinion on the modalities of harnessing the marine fisheries wealth, especially from the oceanic and deeper waters. The exploitation and utilization of these esources requires technology development and upgradation in harvest and post-harvest areas; besides shore infrastructure for berthing, handling, storing and processing facilities. At present, although deep-sea fishes don’t have any ready market in our country it can be converted into value added products. Many problems have so far confronted the deep-sea fishing sector not allowing it to reach its full potential. Hence, there should be a sound deep-sea fishing policy revolving round the upgradation of the capabilities of small scale fishermen, who have the inherent skills but do not have adequate support to develop themselves and to acquire vessels having the capability to operate in farther and deeper waters. Prospects for the commercial exploitation and utilization of deep-sea fishes were analyzed using SWOL analysis.

Biochemical and Biotechnological investigations on the water-fern Salvinia molesta Mitchell

The present work is focussed mainly on the utilization of this weed-biomass on a biochemical and biotechnological basis. Before designing scientific and systematic utilization of any given biomass, the detailed analysis of its chemical componets is essential. Hence, as the preliminary part of the experimental works, samples of Salvinia were analysed for its chemical constituents.Before designing scientific and systematic utilization of any given biomass, the detailed analysis of its chemical componets is essential .The composition of the substrate contributes much to the nutritive value of mushrooms. Hence, alterations in the nutritive value of mushrooms (in terms of total carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and minerals) in response to Salvinia as substrate were analyzed.Substrate after mushroom harvest (spent substrate) can be utilized for various purposes such as cattle feed, as a source of degradative enzymes, as a substrate for other mushrooms and as garden manure. But studies are limited with regard to the utilization of Pleurotus spent substrate as garden manure. So the value of spent substrate as an organic supplement and its multidimensional impacts on soil chemical status, soil microbial population dynamics and plant growth (Amhurium andreanum) were carried out.Major findings of this work have got much relevance in designing measures to utilize different types of plant biomass, especially aquatic weeds, with the aid of a powerful biological tool, the lignocellulolytic fungus, Pleurorus

Studies on the systematics and biology of the fisheries of the Vembanad lake

The thesis documents a comprehensive systematic account of Vembenad lake fishes and to study the effect of physico-chemical parameters on the distribution and abundance of fishes in the lake. This study is expected to advance the knowledge on the biological aspects of two commercially important fishes of the lake which are very desirable for brackish water fish farming. Additionally, the results of the studies on the ecology as habitat, occurrence, season and abundance of all the recorded fishes of the lake end the commercially important fish species of the lake are also incorporated. A general appraisal on the detrimental factors which are adversely affecting the fisheries resources of the lake are presented and some measures of conservation are also suggested. The results of the present study are helpful in formulating suitable schemes for management of parts of the Vembenad lake for capture and culture fisheries

Biology, population characteristics and fishery of the speckled shrimp Metapenaeus monoceros (Fabricius, 1798) along the Kerala coast

Crustaceans comprising numerous edible species of prawns, lobsters and crabs inhabiting different ecosystem form significant portion of the aquatic food resources of the world. Among the crustaceans, prawns are the most commercially exploited group and hold premier rank by virtue of their importance as an esteemed food of gourmet and on account of their high export value. Met-ape-naeus manoceras (Fabricius, 1798) which is known IS,Speckled shrimp’ (FAD name) and ‘Brown shrimp’ ( common nameused in the industry) is one of the commercially important marine penaeid prawns of India. During 1995, M. monaceros catch constituted 7.5 Z of the all India marine penaeid prawn landings. M. monoceros attains a maximum length of about 200 mm and has high export potential.Thus realising the growing importance of M. monoceros in the capture fisheries, it was felt, that it would be ideal to carry out detailed study on this species for rational exploitation and management of its fishery. Hence, the present work entitled, “Biology, population characteristics and fishery of the speckled shrimp Hetapenaeus monoceros (Fabricius, 1798) along Kerala coast“ was undertaken by the author. The thesis is laid out in seven chapters comprising TAXONOMY, FOOD AND FEEDING HABITS, AGE AND GROWTH, REPRODUCTION,LENGTH-WEIGHT RELATIONSHIP, FISHERY and POPULATION DYNAMICS

Studies on some aspect of biology and utilisation of mantis-Shrimp Oratosquilla nepa(LATREILLA) (Crutacea stomatopoda)

The thesis is a study undertaken to understand the distribution pattern of Q nega in Cochin waters for better exploitation of the resource and to learn the biological aspects of the animal which has a direct bearing on its utilization for producing different products .The study also presents a thorough knowledge on the size groups available during different seasons for judicious exploitation and utilization of the resource and the changes in the biochemical composition of Q nega during different seasons so as to utilize it properly for producing suitable products throughout the year. The thesis also tests the suitability of the material for producing different products and to test the acceptability of the same for human consumption. The study also aims to show that Squilla can be utilized for the production of industrial products like chitin and chitosan.

Studies on influance of environmental parameters affecting the biology of oyster crassostrca madrasensis(Preston)

The Indian edible oyster Crassostrea madrasensis (Preston) is known to be a highly suitable candidate species for culture. Though Q, madrasensis has been subjected to intensive research, there has been no significant attempt to culture this oyster commercially. One major reason for the lack of interest in oyster culture could be the disparity in growth, survival and production reported by earlier workersf from different regions along the Indian coast. Greater predictability of production can create confidence and encourage entrepreneurs interested in oyster culture. The present study, which is a detailed investigation on the influence of various environmental variables on growth and reproduction of Q, madrasensis, is not confined to the impact of only hydrological parameters but is also extended to study the effect of different degrees of aerial exposure on growth and survival. The main objective of the study is to develop a background for subsequent development of a site suitability index for culture of Q, madrasensis along the Indian coast. Two sets of experiments were conducted during the present study. Details of the experiments are presented in the thesis under two major chapters comprising four sections each. Each chapter has a separate introduction, materials and methods, results and discussion. .

Studies on Reproductive Biology euui Mass Larval Rearing of Selected Species of Macrobrach

In India scientific commercial farming of Macrobrachium is yet to get a start, the major constraint being the lack of seed. Seed collection from the natural sources alone may not be sufficient, and in such cases seed production in hatcheries is inevitable. This necessitates knowledge of the reproductive biology of the species technology development for brood stock and larval rearing, and the optimum conditions required for larval development to undertake large scale seed production.The present study was taken up with the major objectives of developing a proper, simple and feasible technology for the larval rearing of Macrobrachium, with special emphasis on. mass larval rearing suitable for commercial level operations.

Larval biology of the spiny lobsters of the genus panulirus

Lobsters are renowned the world over as tasty delicacies and are in great demand for Epicurian gourests. As a result these animals found in different parts of the world from countries like India they are mostly frozen and exported thus earning considerable foreign exchange for the country. Importance of this crustacean is thus well known and whatever harvested from nature are utilized to the maximum extent. The demand being much more than what is being produced the need for artificial culture becomes evident. In this context a complete knowledge of the lifecycle ,larval biology and their culture is very essential. Thus with the object of studying the life history of the commercially important lobsters fished from Indian waters the larval biology of panulirus homarus has been taken up as the project for the present study

Studies on the systematics, biology and fishery of rainbow sardines, dussumieria spp., from Indian waters

Rainbow sardines of the genus belonging to the family Dueenaieriidae. are small pelagic fishes forming a fairly good, though not abundant. seasonal fishery all along the coasts of India inhabiting the coastal waters. There have been some earlier reports on such individual aspects as their systematic, distribution, abundance. Ostecology and a few biological factors but no attempt has been made towards a comprehensive study on this group. Two species of rainbow sardines are known to occur in the Indian seas and while a knowledge about their biology would be useful from the fishery point of view. it was also thought a study of their systematic position, especially regarding the identity or the two species which had raised doubts among earlier workers would lead to a better understanding or the group as a whole. This thesis is mainly based on studies during the period from April 1969 to march 1971 with a continued investigation of fishhery aspects till December 1975. from the Gulf of manar: and the Palk Bay around mandapam area. on the south-east coast of India. Thus the work deals with the systemtics, biology and fishery of rainbow sardines of Indian seas.

Studies On Some Aspects Of Biology Of Two Estuarine Fishes Megalops Cyprinoides And Scatophagus Argus

Based on the adaption of fishes to their habitat, they are divided into three ecological groups - marine, fresh water and estuarine or brackish water forms. Estuarine fishes inhabit the less saline region of the sea, estuaries and other inland waters. These fishes are more subjected to pollution than fresh water fishes or marine fishes as they encounter pollutants present in the outgoing river water and the incoming sea water during low and high tides respectively. So, the study of the biology of the estuarine fishes has become unavoidable to assess their suitability in aquaculture. The development of both capture and culture fisheries related to any brackish water system is dependent on the availability of scientific‘ data on the various biological factors in respect of the different species. Such a study on fishes will be helpful in formulating suitable schemes for the management of brackish water for capture and culture fisheries. It was therefore felt that a study of the biological and biochemical aspects of two estuarine fishes Megalops cyprinoides Broussonet and Scatophargus Bloch which are not fully exploited in aquaculture programmes, was worth undertaking. The present study is expected to advance our knowledge on the biology of the two fishes which are very desirable for brackish water fish farming

Studies On The Biology Of The Clam Sunetta Scripta (Linne), From The Subtidal Waters Of Cochin

Enhancement and culture of bivalves presents an opportunity to maximise and even increase production of many growing areas. Clam culture is less intensive both for capital and labour, involves simple farming and management techniques and is considered an efficient means of protein production. Clams are efficient converters of primary production and growth rate is fast with maximum production in 5-6 months. with culture, production is less influenced by poor recruitment. Stable production facilitates market development. Rivalves are being increasingly used in bio-medical research. Culture practices would ensure uninterrupted supplies of experimental material. Paucity of biological data restricts the development of efficient management and culture techniques of bivalves. This study was undertaken with a view to provide information on some aspects of biology of the bivalve S_. scripta which have hitherto been uninvestigated.