First account on feeding and reproductive biology of Aluterus scriptus (Osbeck, 1765) from the southern coast of India

Rajarajan Tamilselvan; Paulraj Jawahar; Natarajan Jayakumar; Rajagopal Santhakumar; Velu Rani; Shanmugam Sundhar; Thirumal Iyyappan; Esakkimuthu Dineshkumar; Soosaiantony Emiema

doi:10.17017/j.fish.1236

Rajarajan Tamilselvan Department of Fisheries Biology and Resource Management, Fisheries College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University (TNJFU), Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu 628 008, India
Paulraj Jawahar Mariculture Research Farm Facility (MRFF), Fisheries College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University (TNJFU), Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu 628 008, India
Natarajan Jayakumar Directorate of Research, Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University (TNJFU), Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu 611 002, India
Rajagopal Santhakumar Department of Fisheries Extension, Economics and Statistics, Fisheries College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University (TNJFU), Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu 628 008, India
Velu Rani Dr. M.G.R Fisheries College and Research Institute, Thalainayeru, Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University (TNJFU), Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu 614 712, India
Shanmugam Sundhar Department of Fish Quality Assurance and Management, Fisheries College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University (TNJFU), Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu 628 008, India
Thirumal Iyyappan Department of Fishing Technology and Fisheries Engineering, Fisheries College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University (TNJFU), Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu 628 008, India
Esakkimuthu Dineshkumar Department of Fishing Technology and Fisheries Engineering, Fisheries College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University (TNJFU), Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu 628 008, India
Soosaiantony Emiema Department of Fishing Technology and Fisheries Engineering, Fisheries College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University (TNJFU), Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu 628 008, India

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17017/j.fish.1236

Keywords: Aluterus scriptus, feeding biology, reproductive biology, sex ratio

Abstract

Aluterus scriptus (Osbeck, 1765) is a reef-associated fish from the Monacanthidae family. The data on its reproductive and feeding biology are currently scarce. Exploring these aspects is crucial for gaining insights that help in developing effective conservation strategies. A total of 900 specimens of A. scriptus were studied from February 2022 to January 2023. The samples were investigated for length-weight relationship, food and feeding habits, sex ratio, length at first maturity, spawning seasonality and fecundity. The observed mean length and weight were 50.2±14.7 cm and 1094±374.4 g, respectively. Growth was negatively allometric, with no significant differences observed between sexes in the length–weight relationship. The mean sex ratio (M:F) of 1:1.53 indicates a female-biased population, with a month-to-month variation in sex ratio. The estimated length at first maturity was 53.33 cm for females and 54.21 cm for males. Reproductive activity is observed throughout the year, with the peak occurring in December. A strong positive correlation was observed between the fecundity and total length (Pearson’s r = 0.986, p < 0.001). Seasonal variation in stomach fullness suggested fluctuations in feeding intensity. Diet analysis revealed a strong preference for coral, followed by small crustaceans, fish, jellyfish, and squid. These findings provide baseline data for the responsible management of A. scriptus fishery.

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