Addressing knowledge gaps in the biology of the Bengal corvina (Daysciaena albida Cuvier, 1830) from the Northeastern Arabian Sea

Abstract

Bengal corvina, Daysciaena albida, a commercially important species, has not been studied much from the Northeastern Arabian Sea. To address the knowledge gaps in the biology of this species, studies were conducted from April 2022 to December 2023. To estimate the biological parameters, 121 fish samples in the length range of 10.9 – 40.0 cm were analysed collected from landings by fishermen operating valloms. The results obtained showed that the fish showed negative isometric growth patterns with the growth exponents, ‘b’ values, of the female, male, and pooled data as 2.89, 2.87, and 2.90, respectively, which were also close to the optimum value of 3. Relative condition factor K_n fluctuated between 0.95 and 1.1, which suggest a state of wellbeing for the species. The GSI values among months were significantly different (P < 0.01), but between the sexes, there was no difference over the months. This study will help to fill the gaps in the biology of the Bengal corvina Daysciaena albida and will contribute to the management and conservation of the species.