Observations on the biology of Nemipterus japonicus (Bloch) from Veraval

The length-weight relationship for Nemipterus japonicus was not significantly different between sexes, hence the common regression equation for the species was calculated as log W = 4.88606 + 3.00437 log L. The K n values were calculated separately for males and females in relation to various months. Females attain 50% maturity at 155 mm. Intraovarian investigations indicated that the spawning period of this species extends from September to April, with a peak during September-November. The fecundity ranged from 10,260 to 184,960 and increased with the increase in the length and weight of fish. Sex ratio showed preponderence of males, with a male to female ratio of 2.2:1. In general, feeding intensity appeared to increase from September to May. This species is a carnivore, feeding mainly on crustaceans, teleosts, annelids, molluscs and echinoderms.