Studies on the spawning of the oceanic skipjack Katsuwonus pelamis (Linnaeus) in Minicoy waters

The oceanic skipjack Katsuwonus pelamis (Linn.) is the most important of the commercially exploited species of tuna at Minicoy Island (Lat. 8' 7" N. Long. 73' 18" E.). It is the species that affords the greatest promise for the expansion of the Laccadive tuna fishing industry of which extremely little is known on the feeding and spawning habits, life-history, rate of growth, racial stock, schooling behaviour and factors controlling their migration etc., essentially needed for the rational exploitation of the fishery without causing any detrimental effects on the potential resources