Groupers and snappers of India: biology and exploitation

Abstract

The fishes of the families Serranidae (groupers) and Lutjanidae (snappers) are an important resource along the Indian coast. They are represented by 79 species in the Indian seas, reach up to 2 m and are abundant in and around rocky outgrowths and coral ridges at depths extending to about 360 m. Their exploitation presently yields an average annual landing of 8 000 t or about 3% of total Indian marine fish landings. This paper summarizes present knnowledge on distribution, exploitation, culture and biology of groupers and snappers in India.