FURTHER OCCURRENCES OF THE WHALE SHARK, RHINCODON TYPUS SMITH IN THE INDIAN COASTAL WATERS


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Authors

  • M D K Kuthalingam Centred Marine Fisheries Research Institute; Substation, Vizhinjam
  • G Luther Centred Marine Fisheries Research Institute; Substation, Vizhinjam
  • P Livingston Centred Marine Fisheries Research Institute; Substation, Vizhinjam
  • V Sriramachandra Murty Centred Marine Fisheries Research Institute; Substation, Vizhinjam

Abstract

Occurrence of four specimens of whale shark, Rhincodon typus Smith,
two males and two females, one each from Pamban and Kesavanputhanthurai,
552 cm and 517 cm total length respectively and two from Vizhinjam 393 cm
and 565 cm total length are reported. This is also the first-report on the smallest
specimen recorded from the Indian seas. Dermal denticles which show some
variation in form from those of this species from the Atlantic are described.
Dental formula has been given. The proportional ranges of a few selected body
parts have been presented along with notes on variations in body colouration and
the relative position of the gill clefts. Algae has been considered to be the
favourite food of the species.

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Author Biographies

  • M D K Kuthalingam, Centred Marine Fisheries Research Institute; Substation, Vizhinjam
    Centred Marine Fisheries Research Institute; Substation, Vizhinjam
  • G Luther, Centred Marine Fisheries Research Institute; Substation, Vizhinjam
    Centred Marine Fisheries Research Institute; Substation, Vizhinjam
  • P Livingston, Centred Marine Fisheries Research Institute; Substation, Vizhinjam
    Centred Marine Fisheries Research Institute; Substation, Vizhinjam
  • V Sriramachandra Murty, Centred Marine Fisheries Research Institute; Substation, Vizhinjam
    Centred Marine Fisheries Research Institute; Substation, Vizhinjam

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Issue

Vol. 20 No. 2 (1973)

Section

Note

License

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How to Cite

Kuthalingam, M. D. K., Luther, G., Livingston, P., & Murty, V. S. (2011). FURTHER OCCURRENCES OF THE WHALE SHARK, RHINCODON TYPUS SMITH IN THE INDIAN COASTAL WATERS. Indian Journal of Fisheries, 20(2), 646-651. https://epubs.icar.org.in/index.php/IJF/article/view/12433