Fishery, biology and stock status of Priacanthus hamrur (Forsskal, 1775) exploited off Kerala coast

The present paper attempts to describe the fishery of priacanthids along Kerala coast during 2007-15, along with insights into certain aspects of the biology and stock status of the dominant species Priacanthus hamrur which formed more than 80% of the priacanthids landed during this period. The length-weight relationship estimated show that there is no significant difference in b values of male and female and the equation derived for sexes pooled W = 0.000047038 L2.76. Sex ratio revealed dominance of females over males (1:1.5). Spawning season of P. hamrur was from June to October with a peak in August. Growth parameters estimated were, L∞=404.25 mm, K=0.58 year-1 t0=-0.1370. Total mortality estimated was Z=3.70, natural mortality M=1.13 and fishing mortality F=2.57. The exploitation rate (E) of P. hamrur in Kerala coast was estimated at 0.69 which is above the optimum level