Studies on the biology of Nematopalaemon tenuipes (Henderson) in Bombay coast

Abstract

The relationship between total and carapace length of Neinatopalaemon 'tenuipes, is calculated as L = -0.82 + 4.595 C, where L and C are total and carapace lengths in mm respectively. Juveniles of less than 33 mm grow at the rate of 6.43 mm per month, whereas the adult female and male grow at the rate of 3.74 and 2.81 mm per month respectively. The fishery is almost entirely composed of 0-year class. Life span of the species appears to be about eighteen months. Existence of sexual segregation has often been noticed. The minimum size at which the female prawn breeds is found to be 50 to 52 mm, when it is about eight months old. Maturation of the ovary and incubation of the eggs to the hatching stage are likely to be accomplished within about a month. About 5 to 6 percent of the total breeding females produce second brood in the same season. The species breeds throughout the year, with the peak season from July to October. A bopyrid parasite infests about one perce.nt of the total population.