On the unusual catch of protonibea diaca nth us (lacefebe) At versova, bombay.

Abstract

Protonihea diacanthus (I.acepede) locally known as 'Ghol' is one of the most commercially important fishes of northwest coast of India. In Bombay it is landed by both 'dol' netters and trawlers. Versova which is one of the major landing centres for 'doF (bag) net boats, recorded a bumper catch of about five and a half tones of this fish. Majority of the fishes had their stomach gorged out. Other biological studies could not be done as the fishes were immediately despatched to Crawford Market where they were sold at a price ranging from Rs. 60 to 80 per fish realising about Rs. 4 to 5 a kg.