Occurrence of post-larvae of Penaeus Canaliculatus Olivier and juveniles of Penaeus japonicus Bate around Karwar

In 1982 the first time on the west coast of india, the presence of a few post-larvae of P. canaliculatus was noticed in collections made by velon netting in the Palollem and Muduga creeks. Juveniles of P. japonicus of size range 20-50 mm, was made during October '83 for the first time in the estuaries of Kali, Belikeri and Gangavali. The occurrence of post-laivae of P. canaliculatus and juveniles of P. japonicus indicates that they have an extended distribution on the west coast and it appears that their spawning grounds may not be far off from tht places indicated above. As these two species are fast growing, it is felt that vast stretches of low-lying estuarine and backwater areas in the Uttar Kannada district of Karnataka, could be utilised for their culture