Chanks caught by the research vessel Cadalmin IV from trawling grounds in Gulf of Mannar

Abstract

The Sacred Chank. Xancus pyrum was caught in bottom trawl net operated by the Research Vessel CADALMIN IV in different areas in Gulf of Mannar. The area wise, depth wise and month wise catches of the chanks. the ecological conditions from where they were obtained, size composition of the chanks and length-weight relationship have been studied. Maximum number of chanks were caught from trawling grounds off Tiruchendur coast. The highest numbers were recorded in the period Oecember-IViarch- The chanks ranged from 25 mm to 117 mm in maximum shell diameter end 54 mm to 202 mm in length. In the trawling grounds from where the chanks were netted the bottom was muddy sandy with rocky patches hare and there and the other fauna found were polychaetes, crabi gastropods, bivalves, starfishes, sea urchins, sea lillies, cephalopods etc.