A study on seasonal change in feeding habit, health status and reproductive biology of Indian Mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta, Cuvier) in coastal water of West Bengal.

Abstract

In this study, seasonal change in feeding habit, health status and breeding season of Indian mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta, Cuvier) have been observed in the coastal water of West Bengal. Gut contents were analyzed to check its feeding habit. Exponential value, condition factor and breeding habits were also examined. Study on feeding habit establishes Indian mackerel to be a selective plankton feeder. During pre-monsoon season; diatoms, copepods, rotifers and green algae were dominant, while blue green algae (BGA) and dinoflagellates had highest percentage of occurrence during the monsoon season. Feeding habit study of Indian mackerel in long term basis may further help in determining its trophic level position and locating its probable fishing ground.