Population dynamics of Oratosquilla nepa in the trawling grounds off Madras

Oratosquilla nepa (Latreilla) is one of the important species of stomatopods landed by the trawlers at Madras as by-catch. The estimated Bertalanffy parameters of growth (Loc, K and t,) respectively for males are 96 mm, 2.4871 and —0.07929. Mortality rates were calculated separately for males and females. As the' b ' values for males and females were not significantly different, the combined length-weight relationship could be expressed as log W = —4.8665 +2.9661 log L. The length at first maturity was 73.2 mm for females. Maximum breeding activity was seen during March followed by June, October, January and December. Estimates of total stock and standing crop are presented in the paper