Age and growth of Malabar grouper Epinephelus malabaricus (Perciforms: Epinephelidae) in the Mandapam coastal waters, Southeast coast of India

Abstract

Age and growth of the Epinephelus malabaricus (n=2278) from Mandapam Palk Bay and Gulf of mannar coastal waters were investigated, during the period from January 2018 – December 2019.  Age and growth in E.malabaricus was studied by different methods.  The Length frequency study (Peterson's method) revealed that growth in E.malabaricus was 46.6 – 42.0 cm in first year 71.7 – 72.0 cm in the second year and to 99.4 – 97.0 cm in the third year. By month mode curve it was calculated that it could grow up to 44.5 – 42.5 cm in the first year and to 72.5 – 70.5 cm in the second year and to 95.5 – 915 cm in the third year.  Probability plot technique shared that the growth the first, second and third years were respectively 44.5 – 42.5 cm, 73.5 – 70.5 cm and 94.0 – 91.5 cm.  By using Von Bertalanffy's method, growth was estimated to be 44.4 – 42.5 cm, 73.4 – 70.4 cm and 93.9 – 91.4 cm respectively for first second and third year. Our findings emphasize the significance of Mandapam coastal waters as an important growth habitat for Malabar groupers in the Palk Bay and Gulf of mannar and point out that fishery management measures should be implemented to ensure the protection of this uncommon species in this offshore waters in the future.