Distribution of penaeid prawn larvae in the coastal waters of Goa

Abstract

Larval and postlarval distribution of 4 commercially important penaeid prawns was studied in the coastal waters of Goa extending up to 40 m depth zone during Jan. - Dec. 1981. Larval stages of <i>Metapenaeus dobsoni</i> and <i>M. affinis</i> were mostly distributed within the 20 m depth zone whereas those of <i>Penaeus merguiensis</i> and <i>Parapenaeopsis stylifera</i>, between 20 and 30m depth zone. Larval abundance also showed species specific seasonal variation. Statistical analysis indicated that larval and postlarval stages of <i>M. dobsoni</i> and <i>P. stylifera</i> were significantly dominant in that order and that 20 and 30 m depth zones had significantly high density of larval stages. Larval abundance in the coastal waters has been related to the breeding behaviour of individual species.