No. 6 (1922) FISH SUPPLY OF MADRAS 159 



The two species of Seabreams, Chrysophrys sarbq (Vellai 

 Mattivan) and C. dainia (Karuppu mattivan) are excellent eating, 

 but should be cooked soon after being caught as decomposi- 

 tion sets in very early. The season is from February to April but, 

 till July they continue to be caught in less quantities. During the 

 other months except November odd quantities are brought to the 

 markets. 



The two species of Sand eels or Spined eels Mastacembelus armatus 

 and Rhyncobdclld aculeata (Aral) occasionally seen in Madras markets 

 are much esteemed as food. These fish, sometimes miscalled 

 lampreys, were sold in good number in August* the next best month 

 being March. They were absent in February, May to July and 

 October. Their Tamil name, Chethu aral, indicates their habitat, 

 the muddy bottom of fresh-water ponds. 



The Butterfish {EU,\atc nigra— Kadalviral), a nice edible fish, 

 was available though not in good numbers from January to August, 

 the best month being June, 



Valai or Eri Valai, the fresh-water shark {Wallago attu), an 

 esteemed fresh-water food fish the rejection of which is, however, 

 advised by Indian doctors who believe it to cause rheumatism, is 

 sold in the markets from June till January, the best months being 

 August and September. 



Surai or Ratha Surai (as the flesh is purplish) the Bonito ( Thyinius 

 pelamyi) was sold from February till July and also in November. 

 This fish is said to accompany shoals of sardines and flying fish. 

 This statement is partly verified by the fact that sardines were 

 found in good numbers during the Bonito season. But during the 

 maxima] season of sardines August to October not a single Bonito 

 was seen in the markets. 



The lizard-fish (Thumbili- Saurida tumbil) was seen in the 

 markets in January and February during the north-east monsoon 

 and in August and September during the south-west. 



Megalops cyprinoides (Morankendai) was sold from August to 

 September, small quantities being available in October and 

 January. 



The squids {Loligo spp) and the cuttle-fish (Sepia spp.) were sold 

 from August to October. In June only 10 lb. were sold. These 

 Kadamban with the Devil-fish, Pey Kadamban {Octopus sp.), are 

 used as bait. 

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