1MRC of Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Hoige Bazar, Mangalore- 575 001, India
Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, College of Fisheries, Mangalore-575 002, India
*Corresponding author's e-mail – mridularajesh789@yahoo.co.in and Address:- College of Fisheries, Ekkur, Mangalore – 575 002, India
Online published on 2 August, 2014.
The present investigation was carried out on reproductive biology of commercially important mullet (Valamugil buchanani) from the Mulky estuary of Dakshina Kannada coast during the period November, 2008 to October, 2009. The species spawned only once a year over a prolonged period extending from August to January with a peak in November to December. The female attained first maturity at 177 cm while the male at 181 cm. Male always recorded lower values of Gonado – Somatic Index (G.S.I.) and is significantly (P< 0.5) different from that of female owing to the greater ovary weight. The G.S.I. values were high during August to January with peaks in November to December implying prolonged spawning. Overall predominance of female in the population was noticed with the sex ratio of female to male was 1: 0.65.
Dakshina Kannada, Mullet, Reproductive biology, Valamugil buchanani
