Observations on the lizard fish fishery and some aspects of biology of Saurida tumbil (Bloch) off Mumbai

Abstract

The average annual landing of lizard fishes by the commercial trawlers at New Ferry Wharf during 1991 to 1995 was 1,591 tonnes (54.19 kg/unit) contributing to 2.28% of total marine fish landing at Mumbai. The landing was maximum in March-May and September-October periods with Saurida tumbil as the dominant species, which occurred in all the months. In S. tumbil empty stomachs occurred in high percentage (56.91 %). This fish is a piscivore, feeding mainly on teleosts (IP 52.54), followed by molluscs (IP 39.64) and crustaceans (IP 1.05). The male to female ratio was 1:1.02. The size at first maturity was 288 mm and it spawns from August to December with peak during October-November. Fecundity ranged between 33,305 and 79,202 in the length range of 276 mm to 334 mm. The relationship between length and weight is significantly different in the sexes.