No. 6 (1922) 



FISH SUPPLY OF MADRAS 



147 



M. spcigleri, M. oeur, M. troscheli and M. cunnesius), Nalla thannir 

 Madavai (M. troscheli and M. dussumieri) and Perandai (M. cunnesius 

 juv). The marine mullets being surface feeders delight in follow- 

 ing up the tide. into backwaters and the harbour feeding on algae, 

 etc. They are very wily and in the backwaters of Ennore and 

 Pulicat very ingenious methods of fishing are employed to capture 

 them. They are good eating when fresh but decomposition sets 

 in soon. 



Mullets are available in good quantities all the year round the 

 trimester March to May being their best season. January, July and 

 December are also very good months. The roe of mullets is sold 

 both fresh and salted. In November an enumerator mentions 4 lb. 

 of roe sold in the Paracherikadai market for Re. 1-7-0, the rate 

 being slightly over 5 annas 9 pies per pound which is more than 

 double the price of a pound of mullets. 



Sharks, though their flesh is coarse, are important economically. 

 Muhammadans do not eat them because they bear living offspring 

 like man ! but Hindus, etc., eat them, many species being specially 

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