The grey mullet fishery resources of India

Thirteen species of grey mullet could be well recognised to be occurring in India. Of these, 8 species \ncontribute to the commercial catches. They are, Mugil cephalus, M. cunnesius, Liza macrolepis, L. parsia, \nL. fade, Ellochelon vaigiensis, Valamugil seheli and Rhinomugil covsula. The other known species are L. \ncarinatus, V. buchanani, Sicamugil cascasia, Plicomugil labiosus and Crenimugil crenilabis. \nMullets are caught along the sea coast, in the lagoons and the adjoining brackish-water lakes, and in \nthe estuaries. As they are caught almost throughout the year, they are a valuable source of food-fish during \nthe ofiFseason of the other commercial fisheries. Since mullets in general are hardy f5sh they are best suited \nfor fish farming through which could be obtained better increments in growth and a ready source of fish. \nAlthough repot ts are available about the mullet fishery resources from the sea on an all-India basis, \nsimilar information for the brackish-waters is lacking. Therefore an attempt has been made to estimate the \nbrackish-water and total mullet fishery resources of India. Information on the availability of fry and fingerlings \nhas been given.