Unusual landings of Aluterus monoceros (Linnaeus, 1758) along Vizhinjam coast

Abstract

On the13th of July 2009, unusual heavy landings of Aluterus monoceros (unicorn leather jacket) of the family Monacanthidae were observed along the coast, from Vizhinjam to Marianadu about 40 km north of Vizhinjam (Fig. 1). These fishes, locally known as “komban clathy” or “mara clathy” are rarely observed in large numbers in the landings at Vizhinjam which has become a subject of surprise to the fishermen. This has been the first incident of such a heavy landing of bigger sized unicorn leather jacket in this area.