Report No. 4 of 1922 



THE FLYING-FISH FISHERY OF THE 

 COROMANDEL COAST 



AND 



THE SPAWNING HABITS OF CYPSILURUS 



WITH 4 ILLUSTRATIONS 



BY 



JAMES HORNELL, F.L.S., F.R.A.I. 

 Director of Fisheries, Madras 



So long ago as 1908 I published in volume IV of this Depart- 

 ment's Bulletin a short account of the curious method in use by the 

 catamaran fishermen of the Coromandel coast for the capture of 

 the smaller of the two species of flying-fishes common in the 

 western waters of the Bay of Bengal. The particulars given were 

 based upon descriptions supplied by fishermen ; the general facts 

 were believed to be correct, but obviously it was desirable to 

 verify their statements by direct observations — notably so in 

 regard to details and to the reason which influences the fishes to 

 congregate around the lures used by the fishermen. 



An opportunity did not offer till July of this year, when it was 

 found possible to utilize the fishery inspection vessel, the Lady 

 Nicholson, for the enquiry. 



The range of the fishery is co-terminous with the true Coroman- 

 del coast — the seaboard of the old Chola Kingdom — extending 

 from Point Calimere in the south, to Madras in the north. Tamil 

 fishermen alone pursue this industry, which must be of very 

 ancient origin as the catamarans employed specially for its prose- 

 cution are extremely specialized in every feature, making them, 

 within their limitations, wonderfully suitable craft for their 

 particular purpose. 



