Research Projects

Fishes belonging to Family Gempylidae (Snakemackerels) and Trichiuridae (Cutlassfishes) are closely related Family under Order Scombriformes and suborder Scombroidei. In India, information on Snakemackerels and Cutlassfishes is meager. Considering their importance to the marine fishery, the present study has been carried out by utilizing the commercial fishing vessel and research vessel data.Establishing the taxonomy and systematics of the species, to study the life history traits of Snake mackerels and Cutlass fishes, bring out the exploitation pattern and to suggest conservation and management measures were the main objectives of this study. Fish specimens were collected from the research vessel and local landing centers on India. The taxonomy and a key guide for identification of trichiuroid fishes were prepared from the current study. As an integrative approach taxonomic status of seventeen specimens were validated using phylogenetic tree, 12 sequences of gempylids and 18 sequences of trichiurids were deposited in the Gene Bank. For understanding the evolutionary aspects, the detailed osteology were also done and presented. Trichiuroid fishes commonly feeds on shrimps, crustacens and fishes. Detailed analysis on the life history traits of R. bengalensis, T. cristatus were studied and presented. The stock assessment of R. bengalensis and T. cristatus were evaluated using FiSAT software and compared it with the results of growth rings on otolith. Analysis on amino acid, fatty acid and proximate composition indicated that R. bengalensis and T. cristatus can serve as a replacement for conventional fishes. Present study provided information on systematics, age, growth, mortality parameters, feeding biology, reproductive biology, nutrient profile and exploitation status of the trichiuroid fishes. Most of the information provided in this study are first of its kind and will help in formulation of better exploitation strategy and thereby ensure sustainable exploitation of gempylids and trichiurids.