FISHERY AND BIOLOGY OF ROCK CODS (ORDER-PERCIFORMES) FROM THE SOUTHWEST COAST OF INDIA

A study on the fishery and biology of Rock- cods collected by trap fishing from the south west coast of India is taken up in view of their importance in the demersal fisheries. Length-weight relationship, sex and maturity and food and feeding habits of four species viz. Epinqihelus aerolatus, E. chlorostigma, E. diacanthus and Pristipomoides typus are described. The spawning season as well as their seasonal abundance are indicated. An attempt is also made to estimate the potential of rock-cods in the commercial fishing grounds off Ponnani and Allcppey.