Chanks caught by the research vessel Cadalmin IV from trawling grounds in Gulf of Mannar

摘要

The Sacred Chank. Xancus pyrum was caught in bottom trawl net operated by the Research VesseludCADALMIN IV in different areas in Gulf of Mannar. The area wise, depth wise and month wise catches ofudthe chanks. the ecological conditions from where they were obtained, size composition of the chanks andudlength-weight relationship have been studied. Maximum number of chanks were caught from trawlingudgrounds off Tiruchendur coast. The highest numbers were recorded in the period Oecember-IViarch- Theudchanks ranged from 25 mm to 117 mm in maximum shell diameter end 54 mm to 202 mm in length. In theudtrawling grounds from where the chanks were netted the bottom was muddy sandy with rocky patches hareudand there and the other fauna found were polychaetes, crabi gastropods, bivalves, starfishes, sea urchins,udsea lillies, cephalopods etc.