On the juveniles of Sardinella fimbriata (Val.) and Sardinella gibbosa (Blkr.)

摘要

Two species of sardines, namely, Sardinella fimbriata and Sardinell glbbosa contribute to theudsardine fishery at Lawson's Bay, Waltair, extending over a period of 9-10 months (October toudJune or July) and the fishery is mainly supported by the juveniles of the two species, S. fimbriataudbeing more abundant. Though the adults of the two species could be distinguished on the basisudof their height-length ratios, the specific identification of the juveniles is difficult due to the closeudsimilarity in their external appearance. Excepting black pigmentation, all the colouration whichudaids to separate the two species in fresh condition, is observed to disappear after fixation and evenudafter a few hours post-mortem. Hence a detailed study of some of the morphometric and meristicudcharacters has been made to find out characters that could be used to distinguish the juvenilesudof the two species.