128 MADRAS FISHERIES BULLETIN VOL. XII, 



to July in south-west monsoon, appear to be the season for this 

 clupeid. 



November to December is the spawning period. 



6" is the minimum length for maturity and the biggest fish caught 

 here measured 8". 



The younger specimens of this species have invariably a few 

 dark spots which vary in individuals on the dorsal side as is the 

 case with the young mackerel. 



These being Plankton feeders as mackerel were generally 

 found together in shoals. 



3. Clupea melanura. — This species was found, in large numbers 

 at any rate, only during the close of the year and were often 

 hauled up along with Clupea kanagurta and mackerel. They were 

 found in plenty only in October and November. Only a few 

 measuring 5'6 to 5'9" in length were found to have just developing 

 gonads in October. The biggest specimen caught on 16th October 

 1919 measured 6'8" and this was found to have no gonads. This 

 species which occupies only a third place in the order of this year's 

 catch occupied the foremost place during 1917-18 and Clupea 

 kanagurta was then found only in a small quantity in May 1918. 



4. Prawns. — These were found in large numbers only in January 

 and February of which the former gives us the bigger haul. The 

 total weight and value for this year were 2,941 lb. worth Rupees 

 286-IO9 whereas during the year 191718 they were the second 

 important item of catches. With a crew of only 14 men they had 

 2,534 lb. worth Rs. 230 as detailed below :— 



1918, February ... ... 



May ... 



1917. July ... 



December ••• 



Total 



That is. there has been this year a considerable decrease in the 

 prawn catch. 



5. Netheli. — May and June are the best months for Anchovy 

 fishery and the former is by far the most important. The last five 

 months. August to December, yield a fairly moderate catch. 



