Insights into fishery, feeding ecology, age, and growth of Thryssa cuvierii (Swainson, 1839) and T. mystax (Bloch and Schneider, 1801) (Teleostei: Clupeiformes: Engraulidae) in the Southeastern Arabian Sea, with special emphasis on the reproductive traits of T. mystax

Gopinath, Ashly and Abdussamad, E M (2026) Insights into fishery, feeding ecology, age, and growth of Thryssa cuvierii (Swainson, 1839) and T. mystax (Bloch and Schneider, 1801) (Teleostei: Clupeiformes: Engraulidae) in the Southeastern Arabian Sea, with special emphasis on the reproductive traits of T. mystax. Regional Studies in Marine Science, 93. pp. 1-15. ISSN 2352-4855

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Abstract

Anchovies are ecologically and economically important small pelagic fishes that play a key role in marine food webs. Their feeding habits, rapid growth, and reproductive traits make them resilient to environmental changes and valuable to small-scale and industrial fisheries. This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the fishery dynamics, age, growth, length-weight relationship, and feeding ecology of Thryssa cuvierii and T. mystax, with special emphasis on the reproductive biology of T. mystax along the southeast coast of the Arabian Sea from 2019 to 2023. These species are primarily exploited using ring seines, gill nets, and purse seines, with peak catches observed from October to December. The total length of T. cuvierii ranged from 122 to 215 mm and T. mystax from 86 to 204 mm, with the latter dominating the annual catch. Growth parameters estimated using ELEFAN I indicated an asymptotic length (L∞) of 211.0 mm for T. cuvierii and T. mystax, with respective growth coefficients (K) of 0.96 and 1.0 yr⁻¹ . Length-weight relationships indicated positive allometric growth in T. cuvierii and negative allometry in T. mystax. Diet analysis revealed a crustacean-dominated intake, with Acetes and penaeid prawns constituting the major prey. Feeding intensity peaked during the pre- and post-monsoon seasons. Reproductive analyses showed extended spawning periods, with peak activity between November and March. The size at first maturity was estimated at 148 mm for males and 149 mm for females of T. cuvierii and 135 mm for males and 136 mm for females of T. mystax. The GSI in females of T. mystax was found to range between 1.0 and 2.5. Fecundity in T. mystax ranged from 1220 to 19,972 eggs, with a positive correlation to body weight. These findings provide critical insights for the sustainable management of these economically important clupeid resources along the southwest coast of India.

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