NATIONAL BIORESOURCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD Dept. of Biotechnology Government of India, New Delhi

NATIONAL BIORESOURCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD Dept. of Biotechnology Government of India, New Delhi MARINE BIORESOURCES FORMS DATA ENTRY: Form- 1(general ) (please answer only relevant fields;add additional fields if you require) Fauna : Flora Microorganisms General Category : Vertebrata (Zooplankton), Fish larvae Scientific name &Authority : Syngnathoides biaculeatus (Bloch) 1785-Adult Common Name ( if available) : Two barbel pipe fish For office use: Synonyms: Syngnathus tetragonus Syngnathoides blochii Gastrotokens biaculeatus Classification: Author(s) Linn Gmelin Bleeker Kaup Status 1788 1851 1856 Phylum: Vertebrata Super Class : Pisces Super Order: Teleostei Super Family: Genus : Syngnathoides Sub- Phylum Class : Osteichthyes Order: Syngnathiformes Family : Syngnathidae Species : biaculeatus Authority: Syngnathoides biaculeatus (Bloch) 1785 Sub- Class: Actinopterygii Sub Order :Syngnathoidei Sub-Family: Reference No. Bloch, M.E. 1785. Nat. Ausl Fische 1 p. 10. Sudarsan, D., 1968. On the early development of pipe fish Syngnathoides biaculeatus (Bloch). J. mar. biol. Ass. India 8 (1): 222-224. Geographical Location: Coastal eel grass and sea weed beds of the shallow waters, coral reef or pelagic drift algae. Latitude: Longitude: Place: State:

Environment Fresh water: Yes/ No Habitat : Salinity : Brackish : Yes/ No Migrations : Temperature : Salt water : Yes / No Depth range : Picture (scanned images or photographs of adult / larval stages) Figs. 1-2. Embryo and larva of Syngnathoides biaculeatus (Bloch). (Reproduced from Sudarsan, 1968) Fig. 1. Embryo inside the egg membrane; Fig. 2. Newly hatched larva 8.1 mm.

DATA ENTRY FORM: Form- 2(Fish / shellfish / others ) Ref.No.: (please answer only relevant fields ; add additional fields if you require) Form 1 Ref.No.: IMPORTANCE Landing statistics (t/y) : from to Place : Ref. No.: Main source of landing: Yes/ No Coast: east/ west Importance to fisheries: Main catching method : Used for aquaculture : yes/ never/ rarely Used as bait : yes/no/ occasionally Aquarium fish : yes/ no/ rarely Game fish : yes/ no Dangerous fish : poisonous/ harmful/ harmless Bioactivity : locally known/ reported/ not known Details: Period of availability : Throughout the year yes/ no If no, months: SALIENT FEATURES : Morphological: Diagnostic characteristics: Sex attributes: Descriptive characters:

Meristic characteristics: Feeding habit: Main food : Feeding type : Additional remarks: Size and age: Maximum length (cm) (male / female/ unsexed) Average length (cm) (male / female / unsexed) Maximum weight : (g) (male / female / unsexed) Average weight :(g) (male / female / unsexed) Longevity (y) (wild) : (captivity ) Length / weight relationalships:

Eggs and larvae: Ref. No.: Syngnathoides are oviparous with ellipsoidal to pear-shaped eggs found attached to the body of males or enclosed in brood pouch. The embryo inside the egg membrane (fig. 1) of size 2.92 mm is in a fairly advanced stage. The dorsal and pectoral fins were clearly differentiated and the tail potion was free from opaque yolk mass having numerous tiny oil globules. Eyes were fairly well developed and already black in colour. The heart was also fully formed. The autocysts were clearly visible. Pigment spots could be seen all over the cephalic region and at a few places on the trunk and tail. The newly hatched larva measured 8.1 mm (fig. 2). It had already attained a characteristic shape of the adult pipe fish, except that the pipe shaped snout was extremely short, and the yolk mass was still present, though very much reduced in size. Dorsal and pectoral fins were well developed with rudiments of rays visible. The whole body (including fins) was pigmented with a heavier concentration of spots in the cephalic region. Rudiments of abdominal and caudal annuli were discrinible with seven of the latter under the dorsal fin. All syngnathids are encased in armour of bony rings. Snout is tubular with small terminal mouth. Postlarva resembles a miniature adult. Characteristics: Abundance: Biochemical aspects: Proximate analysis: moisture/ fat/ protein/ carbohydrate/ash Ref. No. Electrophoresis: Ref. No. SPAWNING INFORMATION: Locality: Main Ref: Residents of coastal sea weed beds of marine shallow waters. Fertilized eggs hatch out inside the brood pouch of male, one to two weeks after spawning. Season: Fecundity: Comment:

MAJOR PUBLICATIONS (INDIAN): (include review articles, monographs, books etc.) Peter K.J. 1982. Studies on some fish larva of the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. Ph. D. Thesis, Univ. of cochin, 349pp. Sudarsan, D., 1968. On the early development of pipe fish Syngnathoides biaculeatus (Bloch). J. mar. bil. Ass. India 8 (1): 222-224. LIST OF INDIAN EXPERTS (Name, address, phone, fax, e-mail etc.) 1. Dr. K.J.Peter Scientist, NIO. (Rtd) Koithara 54/2950, Kadavanthara South Kochi-682020 Ph. (0484) 2318036 e-mail: peterann@md4.vsnl.net.in ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: (List of persons who contributed, modified or checked information)

NATIONAL BIORESOURCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD Dept. of Biotechnology Government of India, New Delhi For office use: MARINE BIORESOURCES FORMS DATA ENTRY: Form- 1(general) Fauna: Flora Microorganisms General Category: Vertebrata (Zooplankton) Fish larvae Scientific name & Authority: Holocentrus sp. Scopoli, 1777 - Adult Common Name (if available): Squirrel fish Language: English Synonyms: Author(s ) Status Holocentrum Artedi Classification: Phylum: Vertebrata Sub-Phylum: Super class: Pisces Class: Osteichthyes Sub- Class: Actinopterygii Super order: Teleostei Order: Beryciformes Sub-Order: Super Family: Family:Holocentridae Sub-Family: Genus: Holocentrus Species: Authority: Holocentrus sp. Scopoli, 1777 ReferenceNo. Scopoli, 1777. Introd. Hist. Nat. p.449. Jones,S.and M.Kumaran,1964. Notes on eggs, larvae and juveniles of fishes from the Indian waters. XII. Myripristis murdjan (Forskal) and Holocentrus sp. Indian J. Fish. 1962, 9(1) : 157-167 Geographical Location: Tropical waters of Indian, Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Latitude: Place: Longitude: State:

Environment Freshwater: Yes/ No Habitat: Marine Salinity: Brackish: Yes/No Migrations: Temperature: Salt Water: Yes/ No : Yes Depth range : Epipelagic Picture (scanned images or photographs of adult/ larval stages) Figs. 1-4. Post larvae of Holocentrus sp. (Jones & Kumaran,1964). Fig.1-2.56 mm. Fig.2-2.89 mm. Fig.3-4.60 mm. Fig.4. Dorsal view of the above

DATA ENTRY FORM: Form 2 (Fish/ Shell fish/ Others ) Ref. No.: (Please answer only relevant fields; add additional fields if you require) Form- 1 IMPORTANCE Landing statistics (t/y): from to Place: Ref. No.: Main source of landing: Yes/ No Coast: east/ west Importance to fisheries: Main catching method: Used for aquaculture: yes/ never/ rarely Used as bait: yes/no/ occasionally Aquarium fish: yes/ no/ rarely Game fish: yes/ no Dangerous fish: poisonous/ harmful/ harmless Bioactivity: locally known/ reported/ not known Details: Period of availability: Throughout the year yes/ no If no, months: SALIENT FEATURES: Morphological: Sex attributes: Descriptive characters:

Meristic characteristics: Feeding habit: Main food: Feeding type: Additional remarks: Size and age: Maximum length (cm) (male/ female/ unsexed 4.5-11mm Average length (cm) (male/female/unsexed) Maximum weight: (g) (male/female/unsexed) Average weight: (g) (male/female/unsexed) Ref. No Longevity (y) (wild): (captivity) Ref. No Length/ weight relation ships:

Eggs and larvae : Ref. No. Eggs are pelagic. Larva is highly pigmented. Head is characterised by the presence of 3 conspicuous spines, one from the tip of the snout directed forward and others from the lateral margins of operculum, one on either side directed backwards. Larva has the appearance of zoea. Eyes are big. Alimentary canal is thick and coiled. The 2.89 mm stage larva is slender and tapering with a large head measuring 40.8% in standard length. There is a serrated spine at the end of the snout, the base of which is broad and is supported by strong spines on the sides. Mouth is slightly oblique. There is a serrated preopercular spine at the angle of each preopercle. Lower limb of the preopercle has three curved spines, the posterior one near the angle being the longest. Minute wart like thickenings is discernible over the snout, supraorbital and postorbital parts of head. Myotomes are distinct and 25 could be counted. Median finfold is continuous and narrow at the caudal region. Pectorals are devoid of fin rays. Caudal fin is protocercal. A row of chromatophores is present along the ventral midline of the caudal region. Dorsal part of the visceral sac is pigmented. The 4.6 mm stage shows considerable advance in development over the preceding stage. Head length increased to 53.8% of standard length. Mouth is inferior. Eye is very prominent and its diameter is 12.6% in standard length. Traces of fin rays are discernible in the region of soft dorsal, anal and caudal. Pectoral is rounded and fin rays have formed. In Holocentrus sp. Rostral spine appears as a single structure and is much longer than the diameter of the eye unlike Myripristis murdjan, where it appears paired, serrated and shorter than the diameter of the eye (Figs 1-4). Characteristics: Abundance: Biochemical aspects: Proximate analysis: moisture/ fat/ protein/ carbohydrate/ash Ref. No. Electrophoresis: Ref. No. SPAWNING INFORMATION: Locality: Main Ref: Larvae are collected from waters around tropical oceanic islands, off shore regions of Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans including Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. Season: Fecundity: Comment:

MAJOR PUBLICATIONS (INDIAN): (Include review articles, monographs, books etc.) Jones and M.Kumaran, 1964. Notes on eggs, larvae and juveniles of fishes from the Indian Waters. XII. Myripristis murdjan (Forskal) and Holocentrus sp. Indian J. Fish. 1962 9 (1): 157-167 Peter, K.J.1982.studies on some fish larvae of the Arabian Sea and Bay Of Bengal. Ph.D Thesis Univ. of Cochin, 349pp LIST OF INDIAN EXPERTS (Name, address, phone, fax, e-mail etc.) 1 M.Kumaran Scientist, CMFRI. (Rtd) Malaparambil Housing Colony Calicut 673 009 2 Dr. K.J.Peter Scientist, NIO. (Rtd) Koithara 54/2950, Kadavanthara South Kochi-682020 Ph. (0484) 318036 e-mail: peterann@md4.vsnl.net.in ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: (List of persons who contributed, modified or checked information)

NATIONAL BIORESOURCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD Dept. of Biotechnology Government of India, New Delhi For office use: MARINE BIORESOURCES FORMS DATA ENTRY: Form- 1(general) Fauna: Flora Microorganisms General Category: Vertebrata (Zooplankton) Fish larvae Scientific name & Authority: Myripristis murdjan (Forskal) 1775 Adult Common Name (if available): Soldier fish Language: English Synonyms: Author(s ) Status Myripristis Sciaena murdjan Forskal 1775 Myripristis murdjan Bleeker 1877 Classification: Phylum: Vertebrata Sub-Phylum: Super class: Pisces Class: Osteichthyes Sub- Class: Actinopterygii Super order: Teleostei Order: Beryciformes Sub-Order: Super Family: Family:Holocentridae Sub-Family: Genus: Myripristis Species: murdjan Authority: Myripristis murdjan (Forskal) 1775 ReferenceNo. Forskal, 1775. Descript Animal., p.48. Jones,S.and M.Kumaran,1964. Notes on eggs, larvae and juveniles of fishes from the Indian waters. XII. Myripristis murdjan (Forskal) and Holocentrus sp. Indian J. Fish. 1962, 9(1) : 157-167 Geographical Location: Tropical waters of Indian, Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Latitude: Place: Longitude: State:

Environment Freshwater: Yes/ No Habitat: Marine Salinity: Brackish: Yes/No Migrations: Temperature: Salt Water: Yes/ No : Yes Depth range : Epipelagic Picture (scanned images or photographs of adult/ larval stages) Figs. 1-5. Post larvae of Myripristis murdjan(from Jones & Kumaran,1964). Fig.1. 2.72 mm. Fig.2. 3.4 mm. Fig.3. 4.71 mm. Fig.4. Dorsal view of larvae, Fig.5. 6 mm

DATA ENTRY FORM: Form 2 (Fish/ Shell fish/ Others ) (Please answer only relevant fields; add additional fields if you require) Form- 1 IMPORTANCE Landing statistics (t/y): from to Place: Ref. No.: Main source of landing: Yes/ No Coast: east/ west Importance to fisheries: Main catching method: Used for aquaculture: yes/ never/ rarely Used as bait: yes/no/ occasionally Aquarium fish: yes/ no/ rarely Game fish: yes/ no Dangerous fish: poisonous/ harmful/ harmless Bioactivity: locally known/ reported/ not known Details: Period of availability: Throughout the year yes/ no If no, months: SALIENT FEATURES: Morphological: Sex attributes: Descriptive characters:

Eggs and larvae : Ref. No. Eggs are pelagic. Larva has a very bizarre appearance with the spiny armature on the head and highly developed serrated opercular spines. Eyes are big and pigmented. The smallest larva recorded (Jones&Kumaran 1964) measured 2-7mm. Head is somewhat blunt and fairly large, being about 35% of the standard length. Body slender tapering posteriorly. Mouth terminal and oblique, maxillary reaching to a vertical from the anterior border of the pupil. Eye is about 11.4% of the standard length. A conical projection is present at the tip of the snout which is up of two compactly placed spinous structures. There is a long serrated spine at the angle of the pre-opercle directed backwards and outwards and measures about 24.4% of the standard length. There are two curved spines along the lower limb of the pre-opercle and a very small one at its angle just below the long pre opercular spine. On the supra occipital part, one long serrated spine measuring 30.7% of standard length is present with a short curved spine at its anterior part. A small spine is visible on the upper part of the operculam. Minute wart like thickenings are present over the upper part of the head. Twenty five myotomes could be counted. The median fin fold is continous, but narrow in the region of the caudal peduncle. Pectorals are rounded and devoid of fin rays. Pelvic fin is absent. A group of pigments is visible over the eye on each side in front of the region of the forebrain. Small chromatophores are present on the dorsal aspect of the abdominal sac. The head length increased to 39.6% of the standard length, due to the elongation of the snout in the 3.4mm stage. The rostral spines are elongated and serrated. Mouth shifted to a slightly ventral portion. Pre opercular spines increased to 31.6% of the standard length. Lower limb of the pre opercle has three spines instead of two in the preceding stage. Another curved spine also appeared near the base of the supra occiptal spine. Serrations have increased in the pre opercular and supra opercular spines. The opercular spines further increased in length. Pre anal portion also elongated considerably. Fin rays have not yet developed. Ventral fins are pigmented. Chromatophores on the head, peritoneal lining of the abdominal cavity are increased. The most striking developments in the 4.71mm stage are the elongation of the snout and thickening of the base of dorsal anal and caudal. Mouth has become inferior in position. The diameter of eye is also increased. Rostral spine is longer with more serrations. Twenty five myotomes plus the urostyle region of the caudal could be counted. Rudiments of fin rays are discermible. Fin rays are visible in the pectoral and ventral fins. Caudal fin heterocercal. Pigmentation is deeper on the head and prominent. In the 6.74mm larva, the dorsal fin is with five spines and fiftten dorsal rays. Anal has four spines and thirteen rays and pectorals with fifteen rays. Pelvic fins have grown conspicuously large. In a 51mm larva the rostral spine is absent and supraocciptal spine is very much reduced. Considerable developments are noticed as it approaches the juvenile stage and appears very similar to the adult in all essential features (Figures 1-5). Characteristics: Abundance: Biochemical aspects: Proximate analysis: moisture/ fat/ protein/ carbohydrate/ash Ref. No. Electrophoresis: Ref. No.

SPAWNING INFORMATION: Locality: Main Ref: Larvae are collected mainly from waters around tropical oceanic islands, off shore regions of Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans, including Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. Season: Fecundity: Comment: MAJOR PUBLICATIONS (INDIAN): (Include review articles, monographs, books etc.) Jones, S and M. Kumaran, 1964. Notes on eggs, larvae and juveniles of fishes from the Indian Waters. XII. Myripristis murdjan (Forskal) and Holocentrus sp. Indian J. Fish. 1962 9 (1): 157-167. Peter, K.J.1982.studies on some fish larvae of the Arabian Sea and Bay Of Bengal. Ph.D Thesis Univ. of Cochin, 349pp LIST OF INDIAN EXPERTS (Name, address, phone, fax, e-mail etc.) 1. M.Kumaran Scientist, CMFRI. (Rtd) Malaparambil Housing Colony Calicut 673 009 2. Dr. K.J.Peter Scientist, NIO. (Rtd) Koithara 54/2950, Kadavanthara South Kochi-682020 Ph. (0484) 318036 e-mail: peterann@md4.vsnl.net.in ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: (List of persons who contributed, modified or checked information)

NATIONAL BIORESOURCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD Dept. of Biotechnology Government of India, New Delhi MARINE BIORESOURCES FORMS DATA ENTRY: Form- 1(general ) (please answer only relevant fields;add additional fields if you require) Fauna : Flora Microorganisms General Category : Vertebrata (Zooplankton), Fish larvae Scientific name &Authority : Mugil cephalus Linnaeus 1758 - Adult Common Name ( if available) : Striped mullet For office use: Synonyms: Mugil our Mugil dobula Mugil cephalotus Mugil japonicus Classification: Author(s) Forskal Gunther Cuvier and Valenciennes Temminck and Schlegel Status 1775 1877 1836 1845 Phylum: Vertebrata Super Class : Pisces Super Order: Teleostei Super Family: Genus : Mugil Sub- Phylum Class : Osteichthyes Order: Mugliformes Family : Muglidae Species : cephalus Authority: Mugil cephalus Linnaeus 1758 Reference No. Linnaeus, S.C. 1758. Syst. Nat. ed 10 p. 316 Sub- Class: Actinopterygii Sub Order : Sub-Family: Anderson, M. 1958. Larval development, growth and spawning of striped mullet (Mugil cephalus) along the South Atlantic coast of the United States. Fish Bull. 58 : 501-519. Geographical Location: Cosmopolitan in coastal waters of the tropical and subtropical zones of all seas. Latitude: Longitude: Place: State:

Environment Fresh water: Yes/ No Habitat : Salinity : Brackish : Yes / No Migrations : Temperature : Salt water : Yes / No Depth range : Picture (scanned images or photographs of adult / larval stages) Figs 1-4. Larvae of Mugil cephalus, Fig. 1 4.0 mm, Fig. 2 5.4 mm stage, Fig. 3 6.7 mm stage Fig. 4 7.9 mm stage. (Reproduced from Anderson, 1958)

Eggs and larvae: Ref. No.: Eggs are pelagic, spherical of diameter between 0.74 mm and 0.8 mm, with fine striations on the chorion, perivitalline space, homogenous yolk and pigmented single oil globule. Newly hatched planktonic larva with yolk sac measuring about 2.2 mm. Robust body with 24 myomeres, moderately to heavily pigmented with melanophores. Abdominal pelvic fins are widely separated, short based dorsal fin and lacks spines on the opercular series bones. In the 4.0 mm stage, mouth is terminal. Alimentary canal extends to ¾ of the total length of larva. Rudiments of dorsal and anal fin base are visible covered by membranous fold, but without any rays. Pectoral fin appears as a fleshy ray less structure. In 6.7 mm larva no rays are formed. At this stage full compliments of dorsal, anal and caudal fins are already formed. The fin fold is lost between 6.7 and 7.9 mm stages. The larva moderately pigmented initially, subsequently becomes heavily pigmented. (Figs. 1-4). Characteristics: Abundance: Biochemical aspects: Proximate analysis: moisture/ fat/ protein/ carbohydrate/ash Ref. No. Electrophoresis: Ref. No. SPAWNING INFORMATION: Locality: Main Ref: Coastal waters, including bays and estuaries of the warmer region. Season: Fecundity: Comment: MAJOR PUBLICATIONS (INDIAN): (include review articles, monographs, books etc.) Kuthalingam, M.D.K., 1961. A contribution to the life history and feeding habits of Mugil cephalus (Linn.), Treubia, 27(1) : 11-32. Luther, G., 1967. The grey mullets. Cent. Mar. fish. Res. Inst. 20 th Anniv. Souv. 70-74. Nair, G.S., 1957. Notes on the early development of Mugil cephalus. Bull. Cent. Res. Inst. Univ. Travancore, 5 C (1) : 77-84. Peter, K.J. 1982. Studies on some fish larvae of the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. Ph. D.Thesis, Univ. of. Cochin, 349 pp. LIST OF INDIAN EXPERTS (Name, address, phone, fax, e-mail etc.) 1. Dr. K.J.Peter Scientist, NIO. (Rtd) Koithara 54/2950, Kadavanthara South Kochi-682020 Ph. (0484) 318036 e-mail: peterann@md4.vsnl.net.in

2. Dr. M.D. Kuthalingam C/o Tamil Nadu Veterinary & animal Science University Tuticorn - 628 008 3. Dr. Luther Scientist, CMFRI (Rtd.) M I G 1/30, Door no. 2-13- 41 Sector 6 A, M.V.P Colony Vizakapatnam. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: (List of persons who contributed, modified or checked information)

NATIONAL BIORESOURCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD Dept. of Biotechnology Government of India, New Delhi MARINE BIORESOURCES FORMS DATA ENTRY: Form- 1(general ) (please answer only relevant fields;add additional fields if you require) Fauna : Flora Microorganisms General Category : Vertebrata (Zooplankton), Fish larvae Scientific name &Authority : Mugil parsia (Hamilton-Buchanan) 1822-Adult Common Name ( if available) : Goldspot mullet For office use: Synonyms: Mugil cantoris Liza parsia Classification: Author(s) Bleeker Hamilton-Buchanan Status 1852 1822 Phylum: Vertebrata Super Class : Pisces Super Order: Teleostei Super Family: Genus : Mugil Sub- Phylum Class : Osteichthyes Order: Mugiliformes Family : Mugilidae Species : parsia Authority: Mugil parsia (Hamilton-Buchanan) 1822-Adult Reference No. Hamilton-Buchanan, 1822. Fish. Ganges p. 215. Sub- Class: Actinopterygii Sub Order : Sub-Family: Sarojini, K.K., 1957. Biology and fisheries of the grey mullets of Bengal. Ind. J. Fish., 4(2): 160-207. Geographical Location: Coastal and estuarine waters of the Indo Pacific. Latitude: Longitude: Place: State:

Environment Fresh water: Yes/ No Habitat : Salinity : Brackish : Yes / No Migrations : Temperature : Salt water : Yes / No Depth range : Picture (scanned images or photographs of adult / larval stages) Figs. 1 3. Mugil parsia, larval stages Fig. 1 6.1 mm; Fig. 2 7.05 mm; Fig. 3 7.75 mm (Reproduced from Sarojini, 1957)

Eggs and larvae: Ref. No.: Eggs are pelagic, spherical and pigmented with single oil globule. Larvae is moderately pigmented with 24 myomeres. In the 6.4 mm larva, the second dorsal, caudal and anal fins are already formed with fin rays. Position of the first dorsal fin is indicated by the dorsal embryonic finfold which is continuous with the second dorsal. Pelvic fins are rudimentary. Pectoral fins have faint indications of rays. The tip of notochord is sharply upturned. There is a row of chromatophores along the lateraline, which is prominent behind the level of origin of first dorsal. Mouth is terminal and alimentary canal extends to more than half of the body. The 7.05 mm and 7.75 mm larvae are more pigmented than the earlier stage. Three groups of chromatophores are present on the nape, another row on the mid-dorsal and mid-ventral aspects of the caudal peduncle. There are also very prominent and highly branched chromatophores, lining the body cavity, on opercle, symphysis of upper jaw and infront of the eye. Preanal finfold completely disappeared. The first dorsal has 4 spiny rays. Jaws are almost equal. Chromatophores on the lining of the body cavity appears very dense and highly branched forming a network. (Figs. 1-3). Characteristics: Abundance: Biochemical aspects: Proximate analysis: moisture/ fat/ protein/ carbohydrate/ash Ref. No. Electrophoresis: Ref. No. SPAWNING INFORMATION: Locality: Main Ref: Postlarvae and juveniles are recorded from the coastal and estuarine waters of Bengal, Visakapatanam, Tamilnadu, Kerala, Maharastra and atound Andaman islands from December to April. Season: Fecundity: Comment: MAJOR PUBLICATIONS (INDIAN): (include review articles, monographs, books etc.) Luther, G., 1967. The grey mullets. Cent. Mar. fish. Res. Inst. 20 th Anniv. Souv. 70-74. Peter, K.J. 1982. Studies on some fish larvae of the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. Ph. D.Thesis, Univ. of. Cochin, 349 pp. Sarojini, K.K., 1957. Biology and fisheries of the grey mullets of Bengal. Ind. J. Fish., 4(2): 160-207. LIST OF INDIAN EXPERTS (Name, address, phone, fax, e-mail etc.) 1. Dr. K.J.Peter Scientist, NIO. (Rtd) Koithara 54/2950, Kadavanthara South Kochi-682020 Ph. (0484) 318036 e-mail: peterann@md4.vsnl.net.in