Thalassas, 30(1) · January 2014: 67-73 An International Journal of Marine Sciences

Growth, mortality and yield per recruit of the Randall’s randalli (Russell, 1986) from the Arabian Sea off Oman

Fatma Al-Kiyumi, Sahar Mehanna* & Nabila Al-Bulush

*Marine Science and Fisheries Centre [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Growth, mortality, population and yield parameters of Nemipterus randalli were studied based on the data collected during the trawl survey for demersal fisheries along the Arabian Sea coast of Oman. Total specimen lengths ranged from 4 to 20.2 cm and weights from 1.5 to 150 g. Maximum age was 2 years for both sexes. The length–weight relationship was described as W = 0.0135 × L3.0642 (r2 = 0.94). The VBGF parameters in length for this species were estimated as follows. L∞ = 22.12 cm and K = 0.64 y-1. The total, natural and fishing mortalities were calculated as 3.0, 1.4 & 1.6 respectively. The exploitation ratio and rate were calculated as 0.53 & 0.51 respectively. The yield per recruit study shows that it can be raised by increasing the length at first capture and fishing efforts. The results of stock assessment show that though there is scope to increase the exploitation level by 31.3% to get the maximum Y’/R, the increase in yield will be marginal (6.7%).

Key words: Arabian Sea, Nemipteridae, Nemipterus randalli, growth, mortality, yield per recruit.

RESUMEN

Se estudian los parámetros relacionados con el crecimiento, mortalidad, población y rendimiento de Nemipterus randalli utilizando los datos obtenidos durante la campaña de estudio de pesquerías demersales a lo largo de la costa del Mar Arábigo en Omán. Las longitudes totales de los especímenes variaron entre 4 y 20,2 cm y los pesos entre 1,5 y 150 g. La edad máxi- ma encontrada fue de 2 años en ambos sexos. La relación peso-longitud se describió como W = 0.0135 × L3.0642 (r2 = 0.94). Los parámetros VBGF sobre longitud para la especie citada se estimaron como sigue: L∞ = 22,12 cm y K = 0,64 año-1. Las mortalidades total, natural y por pesca se calcularon en 3,0, 1,4 y 1,6 respectivamente. La tasa de explotación y su razón se estimaron en 0,53 y 0,51 respectivamente. El estudio demuestra que es posible incrementar el rendimiento por reclutamiento incrementando la longitud en primera captura y el esfuerzo pesquero. El estudio de la población muestra que aunque todavía hay campo para incrementar el nivel de explotación un 31,3% para obtener el máximo en Y’/R, el incremento en rendimiento sería pequeño (6.7%).

Palabras clave: Mar Arábigo, Nemipteridae, Nemipterus randalli, crecimiento, mortalidad, rendimiento por reclutamiento.

Thalassas, 30(1) · January 2014 67 Fatma Al-Kiyumi, Sahar Mehanna & Nabila Al-Bulush

subsample of 1749 specimens (830 males and 919 females) was taken for biological analysis Introduction (length, weight,N. sexrandalli; and maturity ELEFAN stage). Asprogramme there is no significant (Gayanilo difference et al., in1988), size distribution between sexes,By l engthBhattacharya frequency distributions (1967) and for thethe sexes Wetherall combined et (Fig. al. 1) (1987) were used for the The threadfin breams of the genus Nemipterus (familyanalysis . plot which gives an estimate of L∞ and Z/K. Nemipteridae) are widespread throughout the tropical Three methods were used to study age and growth of N. randalli; ELEFAN programme and subtropical Indo-West Pacific region and more than(Gayanilo et al., 1988),Length-weight By Bhattacharya relationship (1967) and thewas Wetherall computed et al. (1987)for males, plot which gives 20 species are recognized (Russell, 1990). They arean estimate offemales L∞ and Z/K.and pooled data following LeCren (1951). small to moderate-sized fishes and most inhabit shallow Length-weight relationship was computed for males, females and pooled data following sand or mud bottoms, and are taken commercially byLeCren (1951). Total mortality coefficient Z was estimated using hook-and-line and bottom trawl. They most abundant in Total themortality length coefficient converted Z was catch estimated curve using (Pauly, the length 1983) converted method, catch curve depths of 20 to 50 m and feed mainly on small shrimps,(Pauly, 1983)and method the, andnatural the natural mortality mortality coefficient M wasM estimatedwas estimated by Pauly's empirical squid, small fishes and benthic (Russell, 1993).formula (1980)by, whilePauly’s the fishingempirical mortality formula coefficient (1980), F was calculatedwhile the by subfishingtracting M from Many biological studies have been done for the genusZ. The exploitationmortality ratio Ecoefficient was calculated F bywas the calculatedformula E = Fby/(M+F subtracting) (Gulland, 1971)M and the Nemipterus as those species are commercially importantexploitation ratefrom U wasZ. calculatThe exploitationed as U = F(1- e-ratioz)/M+F E ( Bevertonwas calculated and Holt, 1957 by; Rickerthe , 1975). in many parts of the world. Therefore, stock parameters The midformula-point ofE the= F/(M+F) smallest length (Gulland, group in1971) the catch and theduring exploitation the survey period was -z such as for age, growth and mortality have been examinedtaken as lengthrate at recruitmentU was calculated (Lr). The length as U corresponding = F(1-e )/M+F to the (Bevertonfirst value in andthe descending to manage them properly. limb of the Holt,length 1957;converted Ricker, catch 1975).curve was taken as the length at first capture (Lc). For studying the effects of change in the exploitation pattern, Beverton and Holt’s (1966) relative Randall’s threadfin bream, Nemipterus randalli yieldis per recruitmentThe analysis mid-point was done of by the using smallest different valueslength of Egroup. in the distributed in the Western Indian Ocean including the 1200 east and southwest coast of , Pakistan, Arabian Gulf, n= 3680 1000 Arabian Sea, Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, east African coast, and (Randall, 1995). This species 800 has been previously misidentified as Nemipterus mesopri- 600 on. It is a common fish in Oman waters and locally named Frequency 400 as Ghazwan. Nemipterus randalli is caught in a multigear 200 and multispecies demersal fisheries in Arabian Sea. 0

Jul Sep Oct Jan Feb Apr Jun Sep Nov Dec Aug Unfortunately, since there is no catch statistics for Mar May 2007 2008 threadfin bream, accurate estimates of neither the yield Months nor fishing effort of this species are available. Since there is no any information about threadfin bream species in Fig. 1. Monthly length frequency distribution for Nemipterus randalli Oman waters, an evaluation of the stock status of this Figure 1: 3 species is urgently needed. The objective of this study Monthly length frequency distribution for Nemipterus randalli. was to provide information on the biology, population dynamics, and stock assessment of N. randalli in the catch during the survey period was taken as length at

Arabian Sea waters. The results obtained in this study recruitment (Lr). The length corresponding to the first will help the decision makers to identify the reference value in the descending limb of the length converted catch point for randall’s threadfin bream management. curve was taken as the length at first capture (Lc). For studying the effects of change in the exploitation pattern, Material and Methods Beverton and Holt’s (1966) relative yield per recruitment analysis was done by using different values of E. The data used for this analysis was obtained off the Arabian Sea coast of Oman during the period from September 2007 to September 2008. Samples were taken Results and Discussion during five trawl surveys of 47 days for each using RV Al-Mostakila I. The total lengths of 3680 fish were Length composition and Sex ratio measured and a subsample of 1749 specimens (830 males and 919 females) was taken for biological analysis (length, Males (n = 830) were not significant larger than females weight, sex and maturity stage). As there is no significant (n = 919) in total length (P > 0.05; Fig. 2). Length frequency difference in size distribution between sexes, length distributions showed no significant differences in the range frequency distributions for the sexes combined (Fig. 1) of sizes between sexes; most females ranged from 10 to 15 were used for the analysis. cm TL and males from 10 to 14 cm TL. The highest mean length was recorded in August and September and the Three methods were used to study age and growth of lowest during January-March with a length range of 4-20.2

68 Thalassas, 30(1) · January 2014 Results and Discussion Length composition and Sex ratio Males (n = 830) were not significant larger than females (n = 919) in total length (P > 0.05; Fig. 2). Length frequency distributions showed no significant differences in the range of sizes between sexes; most females ranged from 10 to 15 cm TL and males from 10 to 14 cm TL. The highest mean length was recorded in August and September and the lowest during January- March with a length range of 4-20.2 cm for pooled data (Fig. 3). The mean length of N. randalli off Oman is larger during monsoon due to the movement of larger fish from relatively deeper water into shallower areas. The same finding was observed by Murty et al., 1992 and Joshi, 2005. Females were outnumbered males with an overall sex ratio 1:1.11 male:female, this ratio is significantly different from the ideal ratio 1:1 (χ2= 4.53; P < 0.05). Monthly male:female ratio showed a fluctuation from month to month, where females outnumbered males in November, April Gandrowth, May .m Also,orta litywhile an thed yi emostld pe monthsr recruit didn’t of thshowe Ran a dsignificantall’s thr eadifferencedfin bream in sexNemipterus ratio, randalli (Russell, 1986) from the Arabian Sea off Oman May, October and November showed a highly significant difference between sexes. The highest percent of males and females was recorded during April and May (Fig. 4).

Male Fe male 160 140 120 100 80 60 Frequency 40 20 0

7.5 8.5 9.5 10.5 11.5 12.5 13.5 14.5 15.5 16.5 17.5 18.5 19.5 20.5 Mid-length (cm)

Fig. 2. Length frequency distribution for males and females Nemipterus randalli Figure 2: Length frequency distribution for males and females Nemipterus randalli.

16 14 16 12 4 14 10 12 8 10 6 Mean length 8 4 6 Mean length 2 4 0 2 Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep 0 Month Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Fig. 3. Monthly mean lengthsMonth for Nemipterus randalli Figure 3: Length frequency distribution for males and females Nemipterus randalli. Fig. 3. Monthly mean lengthsMale forFemale Nemipterus randalli 450 400 Male Female 350450 300400 250350 200300 Frequency 150250 100200 Frequency 15050 1000 50 Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep 0 Month Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Fig. 4. Monthly sex ratio forMonth Nemipterus randalli

Fig. 4. Monthly sex ratio for Nemipterus randalli Length-weight relationshipFigure 4: Monthly mean lengths for Nemipterus randalli.

A sample of 830 males ranging from 8 to 20.2 cm TL and from 3 to 150 g total weight and 919 2 cm for pooled data (Fig.Length 3).- weightThe mean relationship length of N. randalli different from the ideal ratio 1:1 (χ = 4.53; P < 0.05). females with length range 7-19.7 cm and weight range of 3-145 g were used to estimate the off Oman is larger duringA sampl monsoone of 830 males due toranging the movement from 8 to 20.2 cm TLMonthly and from male:female 3 to 150 g total ratio weight showed and 919 a fluctuation from of larger fish from relativelylength weight deeper relationship water . intoAs a shallowerconsiderable part ofmonth the catch to weremonth, unsexed, where the femaleslength-weight outnumbered males in females with length range 7-19.7 cm and weight range of 3-145 g were used to estimate the areas. The same finding was observed by Murty et al., 1992 November, April and May. Also, while the most months length weight relationship. As a considerable part of the catch were unsexed, the length-weight and Joshi, 2005. didn’t show a significant difference in sex ratio, May, 5 October and November showed a highly significant Females were outnumbered males with an overall difference between sexes. The highest percent of males 5 sex ratio 1:1.11 male:female, this ratio is significantly and females was recorded during April and May (Fig. 4).

Thalassas, 30(1) · January 2014 69 relationship was also estimated for all data pooled (length range was 4-20.2 cm with weights of 1.5-150 g). The obtained equations (Fig. 5) were: Male: W = 0.0066 L3.3247 Female: W= 0.0109 L3.1569 Pooled: W= 0.0135 L3.0642 An allometric growth was observed for males and females while an isometric growth was Fatma Al-Kiyumi, Sahar Mehanna & Nabila Al-Bulush noticed for pooled data. This may be due to consider the small specimens in the calculations. The significance of variation between b values of the sexes was tested by ANOVA and the difference was not significant at 5% level.

160 Male 140 120 100 y = 0.0066x3.3247 80 2 R = 0.9314 60 Weight (g) Weight 40 20 0 0 5 10 15 20 Length (cm)

160 Fe male 140 120 100 y = 0.0109x3.1569 80 R2 = 0.9272

Weight (g) Weight 60 40 20 0 0 5 10 15 20 Length (cm)

Figure 5: Length weight relationship for males and females Nemipterus randalli. 6

Length-weight relationship Age and growth

A sample of 830 males ranging from 8 to 20.2 cm Plotting of the histogram and obtaining the modes TL and from 3 to 150 g total weight and 919 females was done using the method of Bhattacharya (1967). Two with length range 7-19.7 cm and weight range of discernible cohorts appear to be present in the sample 3-145 g were used to estimate the length weight (Fig. 6). The mean lengths of the two cohorts were 14.5 relationship. As a considerable part of the catch and 19.6 cm TL. The Von Bertalanffy plot was used to were unsexed, the length-weight relationship was obtain the growth parameters and the L∞ estimate was also estimated for all data pooled (length range was 22.12 cm and the curvature constant K estimate was 0.64 4-20.2 cm with weights of 1.5-150 g). The obtained per year. The asymptotic length obtained by the three equations (Fig. 5) were: methods (Figs. 6, 7 & 8) do not vary much and the growth coefficient K obtained by the three methods was more or Male: W = 0.0066 L3.3247 less same (L∞ = 21.53 cm and K = 0.67 by ELEFAN and Female: W= 0.0109 L3.1569 L∞ = 22.19 cm and K = 0.61 by Wetherall et al. plot). Pooled: W= 0.0135 L3.0642 Also these results are agreeing with those reported An allometric growth was observed for males and for N. mesoprion the most similar nemipterid species females while an isometric growth was noticed for pooled for N. randalli. At Kakinada the estimated L∞ and K of data. This may be due to consider the small specimens in N. mesoprion were 21.9 cm and 0.83 year-1 respectively the calculations. (Murty, 1981). At Chennai the estimated L∞ was 20.7 cm and K= 1.08 (Vivekanandan, 1991). Using the ELEFAN The significance of variation between b values of the programme Murty et al. (1992) estimated L∞ and K off sexes was tested by ANOVA and the difference was not Cochin as 24.4-27.3 cm and 0.51- 0.62 year-1. At Mumbai, significant at 5% level. N. mesoprion grows to 14.7, 21.5 and 25.2 cm at the end

70 Thalassas, 30(1) · January 2014 Fig. 5. Length weight relationship for males and females Nemipterus randalli

Age and growth Plotting of the histogram and obtaining the modes was done using the method of Bhattacharya (1967). Two discernible cohorts appear to be present in the sample (Fig. 6). The mean lengths of the two cohorts were 14.5 and 19.6 cm TL. The Von Bertalanffy plot was used to obtain the

growth parameters and the L∞ estimate was 22.12 cm and the curvature constant K estimate was 0.64 per year. The asymptotic length obtained by the three methods (Figs. 6, 7 & 8) do not vary much and the growth coefficient K obtained by the three methods was more or less same (L∞ = 21.53 cm and K = 0.67 by ELEFAN and L∞ = 22.19 cm and K = 0.61 by Wetherall et al. plot). Also these results are agreeing with those reported for N. mesoprion the most similar nemipterid species for N. randalli. At Kakinada the estimated L∞ and K of N. mesoprion were 21.9 cm and 0.83 year-1 respectively (Murty, 1981). At Chennai the estimated L∞ was 20.7 cm and K= 1.08 (Vivekanandan, 1991). Using the ELEFAN programme Murty et al. (1992) estimated L∞ and K off Cochin as 24.4-27.3 cm and 0.51- 0.62 year-1. At Mumbai, N. mesoprion grows to 14.7, 21.5 and 25.2 cm at the end of I-III years of life and the estimated L∞ was 27.4 cm and K was 0.76 year-1 (Chakraborty, 2002). In Cochin, N. mesoprion reaches 15.8,

22.4 and 25G.rowth,3 cm at m theort aendlity of an first,d yield second per r eandcruit third of thyeare Ran respectivelydall’s threa anddfi nt hebr eamlength Nemipterus obtained randalli (Russell, 1986) from the Arabian Sea off Oman by LFSA package was 15.9, 21.8, 24.4 and 25.4 cm at the end of I-IV years (Joshi, 2005). The same author gave L∞ value as 27.4 cm and K as 0.85 per year.

Fig. 6. Bhattacharya method Figure 6: Bhattacharya method.

7

Fig. 7. ELEFAN plot Figure 7: ELEFAN plot.

Fig. 7. ELEFAN plot

Fig. 8. Wetherall plot Mortality and exploitation ratio The catch curve analysis based on length distributions as described in Pauly (1983) was applied Fig. 9. Length converted catch curve and Fig.the 8.estimate Wetherall obtained plot for the total mortality coefficient was Z = 3.0 per year. Using Pauly's Figure 8: Wetherall plot. Figure 9: Length converted catch curve.

Mortality and exploitation ratio formula, (Pauly, 1980) a natural mortality M = 1.4 per year was obtained. Accordingly the The catch curve analysis based onfishing length distributionsmortality estimate as described was 1.6 inEstimation Paulyper year (1983) of (Fig.relativ was 9) eapplied. yieldThe per exploitation recruit ratio and rate were and the estimate obtained for the totalestimated mortality as 0.53 coefficient and 0.51 was respectively Z =Relative 3.0 perindicating year.yield Using Y’/Rthat this andPauly's species biomass was B’/R in its per optimum recruit status.were estimated using the Beverton and Holt of I-III years of life and the estimated L∞ was 27.4 cm Mortality and exploitation ratio formula, (Pauly, 1980) a natural mortality M = 1.4 per year was(1966) obtained. method. Accordin The glyrelative the yields and biomass determined relative to a range of values for the and K was 0.76 year-1 (Chakraborty, 2002). In Cochin, N. fishing mortality estimate was 1.6 per year (Fig. 9). The exploitation ratio and rate were mesoprion reaches 15.8, 22.4 and 25.3 cm at theexploitation end of rate are plottedThe catch in Figure curve 10 analysis. based on length distributions estimated as 0.53 andfirst, 0.51 second respectively and third indicating year respectively that this species and was the in length its Aoptimum m aximum status.as Y’/Rdescribed was obtainedin Pauly at(1983) E = was0.68 appliedbut the andraising the fishingestimate effort to such level obtained by LFSA package was 15.9, 21.8, 24.4will and be 25.4 associated obtainedwith a negligible for the increasetotal mortality in Y/R (coefficient6.7%) and awas slight Z =decrease 3.0 in B’/R (4%). cm at the end of I-IV years (Joshi, 2005). The same author per year. Using Pauly’s formula, (Pauly,8 1980) a natural Also, the exploitation rate which maintain 50% of the spawning stock biomass (E= 0.34) was gave L∞ value as 27.4 cm and K as 0.85 per year. mortality M = 1.4 per year was obtained. Accordingly found to lower than the current E (0.51)

8 Thalassas, 30(1) · January 2014 71

9 Fatma Al-Kiyumi, Sahar Mehanna & Nabila Al-Bulush

Fig. 10. Relative yield per recruit analysis Figure 10: Relative yield per recruit analysis. the fishing mortalityConclusion estimate was 1.6 per year (Fig. 9). References The exploitation Nemipterusratio and rate randalli were estimatedappears to asbe 0.53 exploited and under its optimum level and there is a scope for a 0.51 respectivelyconsiderable indicating extensionthat this ofspecies the fishery. was in But its any recommendationBeverton, RJH, to Holt,increase SJ, 1957. the effort On the in dynamics a multi- of exploited fish optimum status. species gear should consider all the components of thepopulations. fishery by Fish. that Invest.gear. Also,Minist. before Agric. any Fish Food. G.B. (2 Sea Fish), 19: 533pp. advice to increase the fishing effort, a more precise assessment would be required and a sampling Estimation of relative yield per recruit Bhattacharya, CG, 1967. A simple method of resolution of a programme for the commercial landings should be establisheddistribution to providewith Gaussian total catches components. by size Biometrics, 23: Relative yieldgroups. Y’/R andAlso, biomass an investigation B’/R per recruitfor the wereimpact of the fishery115-135. independent factors like upwelling, estimated using predationthe Beverton and other and changesHolt (1966) in environmental method. parametersChakraborty, on the SK, growth 2002. and Growth, recruitm mortalityent should and stock assessment The relative yields and biomass determined relative to of Nemipterus mesoprion (Bleeker) from Mumbai waters. be done. Finally, improving the catch statistics recording system to cover all species caught from a range of values for the exploitation rate are plotted in Indian J. Fish., 49 (4): 389-396. Figure 10. Oman coasts should be considered. Erguden, D, Turan, C, Gurlek, M, Yaglioglu, D, Gungor, M, References 2010. Age and growth of the Randall’s threadfin bream A maximumBeverton, Y’/R was RJH obtained, Holt, atSJ E, 1957.= 0.68 On but the the dynamics of Nemipterusexploited fish randalli populations. (Russell, Fish. 1986), Invest. a recent Lessepsian raising fishing effort to such level will be associated with migrant in Iskenderun Bay, northeastern Mediterranean. J. Minist. Agric. Fish Food. G.B. (2 Sea Fish), 19: 533pp. a negligible increase in Y/R (6.7%) and a slight decrease Appl. Ichthyol., 26 (3): 441–444. in B’/R (4%). Also,Bhattacharya, the exploitation CG, 1967. rate whichA simple maintain method of Gayanilo,resolution FCJr,of a Soriano,distribution M, Pauly, with D,Gaussian 1988. A draft guide to 50% of the spawning stockcomponents. biomass Biometrics, (E= 0.34) was23: 115found-135. COMPLEAT ELEFAN. ICLARM Software Project 2: 65pp. to lower than theChakraborty, current E (0.51) SK, 2002. Growth, mortality and stockGulland, assessment JA, 1971. ofThe Nemipterus fish resources mesoprion of the oceans. West by fleet. Survey, Fishing News (Books) Ltd. For FAO: 255pp. (Bleeker) from Mumbai waters. Indian J. Fish., 49 (4): 389-396. Conclusion Joshi, KK, 2005. Biology and population dynamics of Nemipterus mesoprion (Bleeker) off Cochin. Indian J. Fish., 52 (3) : 315- Nemipterus randalli appears to be exploited under 322. its optimum level and there is a scope for a considerable Le Cren, E.D., 1951. Length-weight relationship10 and seasonal extension of the fishery. But any recommendation to cycle in gonad weight and condition of the perch (Perca increase the effort in a multi-species gear should consider fluviatilis). J. Anim. Ecol., 20: 201-219. all the components of the fishery by that gear. Also, Murty, VS, 1981. Observations on some aspects of biology of before any advice to increase the fishing effort, a more the threadfin bream Nemipterus mesoprion (Bleekeri) from precise assessment would be required and a sampling Kakinada along the east coast of India. Indian J. Fish., 28: programme for the commercial landings should be 199-207. established to provide total catches by size groups. Also, Murty, VS, 1982. Observations on some aspects of biology of an investigation for the impact of the fishery independent threadfin bream Nemipterus mesoprion (Bleeker) from factors like upwelling, predation and other changes in Kakinada. Indian J. Fish. 28(1/2): 199-207. environmental parameters on the growth and recruitment Murty, VS, Rao, TA, Srinath, M, Vivekanandan, E, Somasekharan should be done. Finally, improving the catch statistics Nair, KV, Chakraborty, SK, Raje, SG, Zacharia, PU, 1992. recording system to cover all species caught from Oman Stock assessment of threadfin breams (Nemipterus spp.) of coasts should be considered. India. Indian J. Fish., 39 (1&2).

72 Thalassas, 30(1) · January 2014 Growth, mortality and yield per recruit of the Randall’s threadfin bream Nemipterus randalli (Russell, 1986) from the Arabian Sea off Oman

Randall, JE, 1995. Coastal Fishes of Oman. University of Hawaii Vivekanandan, E, 1991. Spawning and growth of three species of Press, Honolulu, Hawaii. 217 pp. threadfin breams off Madras. Indian J. Fish., 38 (1) : 9-12. Ricker, WE, 1975. Computation and interpretations of biological Vivekanandan, E, James, DB, 1986. Population dynamics of statistics of fish populations. Bull. Fish Res. Bd.Can., 191: (Bloch) in the trawling grounds of 382 pp. Madras. Indian. J. Fish., 33: 145-154. Russell, BC, 1990. Nemipterid fishes of the world (threadfin Wetherall, JA, Pavovina, JJ, Ralston, S, 1987. Estimating breams, whiptail breams, monocle breams, dwarf monocle growth and mortality in steady state fish stocks from length breams, and coral breams). Family Nemipteridae. An anno- frequency data. In : Theory and application of length based tated and illustrated catalogue of nemipterid species known to methods in fisheries research. D. Pauly and G.Morgan date. FAO Fisheries Synopsis no. 125, 12. FAO, Rome. (Eds.)., 13: 53-74. Russell, BC, 1993. A review of the threadfin breams of the Zacharia, PU, Nataraja, GD, 2003. Fishery and biology of genus Nemipterus (Nemipteridae) from Japan and Taiwan, threadfin bream, Nemipterus mesoprion from Mangalore– with description of a new species. Japanese J. Ichthyol., 39: Malpe. Indian J. Fish., 50 (1): 1-10. 295– 310.

(Received: July, 7, 2013; Accepted: October, 24, 2013)

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