Distribution and growth of wood-borers in Bombay offshore waters

Abstract

The borer population comprised of 7 species of teredinid borers. Species composition varied with depth; Bankia carinata and B. campanellata were abundant at 2 m, B. carinata and Lyrodus pedicellatus at 22 m, L. pedicellatus at 42 m and L. singaporeana and Teredo parksi at 62 m depths. Teredo indomalaiica and Teredora princesae were of very rare occurrence. B. campanellata was the fastest growing species with a maximum growth-rate of 65 mm. month-1. Growth rate was faster during the monsoon period for all species except for B. campanellata.