Research Article
Yedukondala Rao, P, Naga Krish
Abstract
Sex ratio indicated that there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) between the sexes in their occurrence. A scale of five stage of maturity of gonads was identified in females. The mean length at first maturity was found to be 97mm in females. Peak spawning takes place during Jun to Dec. GSI was found to be high during Jun to Oct in males; Jun to Dec in females. Fecundity varied from 10,016 to 18,194 ova. P. polynema was a carnivore, feeds mostly on shrimp, fish, crab, gastropods, cephalopods and miscellaneous in the order of importance. There was no marked difference in the food composition between males and females. A common regression equation was given for both the sexes as W = 0.000101672 L2.4968(r = 0.90). Analysis of covariance conducted to test the difference between the regression slopes of males and females showed no significant difference (P>0.05). Relative condition factor was low during Sep to Dec in males and during Jun and Aug-Nov in females of P. polynema.