Population dynamics and stock assessment of Koth (Otolithoides biauritus Cantor, 1850) along the north-west coast of India

MSY, growth, selection and mortality parameters of Otolithoides biauritus have been worked out from data collected by MFV Saraswati of CIFE, and length frequency data from Ferry Wharf, Sasson dock, and Versova fish landing centres of Bombay. Values of L infinity, K, and t omicron obtained from length frequency study are 1572 mm, 0.2633/yr and 0.0289 yr respectively, and of weight growth parameters are W infinity = 10067 g, K = 0.03904/yr and t omicron = 0.0137 yr. Selection parameters are L + 150 mm, t sub(r) + 0.4167 yr lc + 240 mm and t omicron = 0.6367 yr. Selection factor (K) for codent worked out to be 12. Based on Z = 0.6486, the MSY of O. biauritus off northwest coast of India is assessed as 1,802 tons which is slightly higher than the current catch level of 1,634 tons.

An illustrated key to the Malacostraca (Crustacea) of the northern Arabian Sea. Part 1: Introduction

The key deals with the Malacostraca from the northern Arabian Sea (22 degree 09'N to 10 degree N and 50 degree E to 76 degree E). It is compiled from the specimens available to us and those which are in the literature. An introduction to the class Malacostraca and key to the identification of subclasses, superorders and orders is given. Al the key characters are illustrated. Original references with later changes are mentioned. The key will be published in parts not necessarily in chronological order.