Date:01/02/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/02/01/stories/2008020150040100.htm

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Rare fish found off Tuticorin coast

R. Vimal Kumar

— Photo: N. Rajesh

Out of the blue: The fish found in the Manappad waters.

TUTICORIN: The Fisheries College and Research Institute here has recorded a fish species, ‘Ablabys taenianotus,’ for the first time in the coastal waters of the country.

Speaking to The Hindu, V. K. Venkataramani, Dean, FCRI, said that the species was traced by an institute team comprising P. Jawahar, assistant professor, and A. Maharajan and T Vaitheeswaran, junior research fellows, at a depth of 40 metres off Manappad, a few days ago.

The 11.5-cm-long fish has strong compressed body, sail-like dorsal fin, a prominent mark between fifth and sixth dorsal spines. Dr. Venkataramani said that the species was usually found near Japan, Fiji and Australian coasts.

“It has a life span of almost four years and attains a maximum length of 15 cm,” he added. Being a tropical variety, the species possessed high ornamental value and was best suited for aquariums. The fish feeds on small crabs, shrimps, jelly fish and polychete worms.