Maturation and spawning in the fringe scale sardine, Sardinella fimbriata (Cuvier and Valenciennes, 1847) from Karwar waters, Uttar Kannada District, Karnataka

It is significant to study the reproductive biology of fish because it is useful in the prediction of spawning grounds, spawning seasons and for exploitation of fishable stocks. The investigation and the work regarding the knowledge about reproduction of Sardinella fimbriata is of commercial importance. It has been observed that at Karwar coast, the size of Sardinella fimbriata during first recruitment was found to be 6 to 7 cm, while 7 to 13.5 cm sized Sardinella fimbriata were dominated in the bulk landings. Spawning season was determined on the basis of occurrence of individuals in various stages of maturity during the period December- 2011 to December- 2012. During the present study, seven stages of maturity were observed in Sardinella fimbriata, (According to the ICES standards). Little attention is paid on the reproductive biology of the fishes. Keeping above points in view, the study of the reproductive biology of fringe scale sardine, Sardinella fimbriata (Cuv. & Val.) from Karwar waters was undertaken.