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.