Investigations on the eggs and larvae of fin & shellfishes of Parangipettai waters

Principal Investigator:  Prof. Dr. V. Ramaiyan

CAS in Marine Biology, Annamalai University

Objectives

· To prepare an inventory of all literature available on eggs and larvae of fin and shellfishes from published and unpublished information.

· To create a computerized database and estimation of data through networking.

· To make quantitative and qualitative assessment of eggs and larvae of                  

                  Parangipettai and Cuddalore waters.

· To delineate spawning grounds and to study the recruitment pattern.

· To breed and rear the larvae of selected fin and shellfish species.

· To prepare a calendar and keys for the identification of eggs and larvae.

· To build up a museum.

Progress made

Observation on eggs

·  Fin fish eggs -44 (19 families). 34 forms were identified up to species level, 8 forms up to genus level and 2 forms up to the family level.

· Carangids 23.95%, Engraulids (14.61%) Clupeids (11.92%) and    Cynoglossids (11.28%).

· Eggs of Ophichthids, Engraulids, Pristigastrids, Clupeids, Synodontids,    Mugilids, Atherinids, Scombrids, Soleids and Cynoglossids were commonly observed

Finfish larvae

· Postlarvae and juveniles of finfish - 39 species - 21 families were identified. Larval forms of family Clupidae - dominant followed by Engraulidae and Ambassidae.

 Shellfish larvae

· Decapods were categorized mainly in to 3 groups, viz., Penaeid shrimps(7.34%), brachyuran crabs 56.52 % and hermit crabs (36.14%).

Penaeid shrimps

· Among shrimps, 11 were identified upto species level and 3 upto genus level. Larval forms of Penaeus indicus, Metapenaeus dobsoni and M. monoceros together contribute 70%.

· During the pre and postmonsoon months more forms were observed 

New observation

· Eggs - Ophichthys sp., Setipina taty, Stolephorus leteroloburs, S. punctifer,  Chirocentrus dorab and Decapterus russelli  

· Finfish larvae -  Chirocentrus dorab, Leiognathus blochi, Pelates quadrilineatus, Cypselurus poecilopterus.

· Decapods - Shrimps larvae of Parapeneaeopsis spp., Parapenaeus longipes and P. fissures, P. Japonicus and Metapenaeopsis spp.

Fish eggs and larvae
 

Caranx spp.

Stolephorus spp.

Sardinella spp

Chirocentrus sp.