Occurrence of juveniles of Platax sp. in inshore waters of Mumbai

Abstract

Angelfish, sea bat or leaffish belong to the family Platacidae have been landed in trawlers and Purse seiners at New Ferry wharf andSasoon Dock in October and November for the last four years. Juveniles of Platax sp. were observed in dol net catches. Juveniles are discarded, while the adults fetch good price in the local market, as they are edible and palatable. It is quite possible that this unusual landing of juveniles in dol nets in good numbers was due to the young ones coming into the shallow waters to escape strong currents and perhaps for the search of food. They are usually found in shallow waters among weeds, sea grass or coral and small specimens of Platax sp. are very popular aquarium fishes.