THE FOOD, FECUNDITY AND GONADAL MATURITY OF VALAMUGIL CUNNESIUS (PISCES: MUGILIDAE) IN THE NEGOMBO LAGOON, SRI LANKA


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Authors

  • M J S Wijeyaratne Department of Zoology, University of Kelaniya, Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
  • H H Costa Department of Zoology, University of Kelaniya, Kelaniya, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Investigations on reproductive biology and feeding of Valamugil cunnesius (Valenciennes) were
carried out for a period of two years on the specimens collected fromNegombo lagoon (7°10/N and79°
50'E) in the west coast of Sri Lanka. V. cunnesius was found to be spawning in March, June, August and
December. The percentage of females in the population was about 80 %. The mean lengths at maturity
for males and females were 16.9 and 16.0 cm respectively. The absolute fecundity ranged from 80,000 to
1,40,000 for the fish of 15-20 cm in total length. The most important food item was observed to be benthic
polychaetes. High overlap in the dietary composition was evident among the individuals of different
size groups.

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Author Biographies

  • M J S Wijeyaratne, Department of Zoology, University of Kelaniya, Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
    Department of Zoology, University of Kelaniya, Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
  • H H Costa, Department of Zoology, University of Kelaniya, Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
    Department of Zoology, University of Kelaniya, Kelaniya, Sri Lanka

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Issue

Vol. 35 No. 2 (1988)

Section

Articles

License

The copyright of the articles published in Indian Journal of Fisheries vests with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, who has the right to enter into any agreement with any organization in India or abroad engaged in reprography, photocopying, storage and dissemination of information contained in these journals. The Council has no objection in using the material, provided the information is being utilized for academic purpose but not for commercial use. Due credit line should be given to the ICAR where information will be utilized.

How to Cite

Wijeyaratne, M. J. S., & Costa, H. H. (2011). THE FOOD, FECUNDITY AND GONADAL MATURITY OF VALAMUGIL CUNNESIUS (PISCES: MUGILIDAE) IN THE NEGOMBO LAGOON, SRI LANKA. Indian Journal of Fisheries, 35(2), 71-77. https://epubs.icar.org.in/index.php/IJF/article/view/10680