Fishery, biology and stock assessment of Cynoglossus macrostomus (Norman) off Malabar coast

Abstract

Cynoglossus macrostomus formed 93 % of the annual average landings of flatfishes (3951 t) during 1993-2004 at Calicut. The fishery showed annual fluctuations. Peak landings were recorded during December-April. Growth parameters of this species were L! = 164.5 mm y-1 and K = 0.70y-1. The fish grows to 83, 124 and 146 mm at the end of 1-3 years. The total and natural mortality were 3.01 y-1 and 0.91 y-1 respectively. The length-weight relationship shows that the growth is isometric and there is no significant variation between sexes. The spawning is prolonged with two peaks. The length at first maturity is 102 mm. Females dominated the fishery. The stock is exploited marginally below the optimum level at present. The total and standing stock of this species along the Calicut coast is estimated as 5430 t and 1720 t respectively.