Biology and fishery of Leiognathus brevirostris (Valenciennes) from the Palk Bay and the Gulf of Mannar

Age and growth, reproduction, food and feeding habits, and fishery of L. brevirostris from the Palk Bay and the Gulf of Mannar are described, based on material collected from commercial catches landed by different fishing gear during 1969. Life span of the species is about 2 yr, attaining a size of about 60 and 120 mm at the end of 1st and 2nd yr respectively. Female fish matures at about 63 mm and the male at 68 mm when they are just about 1 yr old. Female produces a maximum number of 16243 eggs.