peces, cefalópodos y decápodos comerciales marinos y salobres de pakistán

8/20/2019 Peces, Cefalópodos y Decápodos Comerciales Marinos y Salobres de Pakistán

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The designations employed and the presentation

of mater al in this publication do not imply the

expression of any opinion whatsoever on the

part of the Food and Agriculture Organization

of the United Nations concerning the legal

status of any country, territory, city or area or

of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced,

stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means,

electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without the prior

permission of the copyright owner. Applications for such permission,

with a statement of the purpose and extent of the reproduction, should

be addressed to the Director, Publications Division, Food and Agriculture

Organization of the United Nations, Via delle Terme di Caracalla, 00100

Rome, Italy.

© F A O 1 9 8 4

of its frontiers or boudaries.

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PREPARATION OF DOCUMENT

This document was prepared under the UNDP/FAO Marine Fisheries Development Project (PAK/77/033), incollaboration with the FAO Regular Programme.

The author travelled to Pakistan in November 1984 for the purpose of assessing, at landing places and in

markets, present constraints in local routine work involving identification and denomination of commercialmarine and brackish-water species, and to examine, in collaboration with national counterpart personnel, thespecies composition of catches at selected places, for the purpose of collecting data and information by speciesto be used for the preparation of this field guide.

Additional information, especially on local denominations, wasprovided by Dr B.C. Russell, who travelled to Pakistan in September/October 1985.

The basic reference used during the mission was the recently published set of FAO Species IdentificationSheets for Fishery Purposes - Western Indian Ocean (Fishing Area 51) which proved to be invaluable for thispurpose. However, this document is somewhat cumbersome to use for the average data collector since itincludes many species not landed in Pakistan. It also does not provide local species denominations used withinthe country.

The preparation of the actual field guide was carried out by using illustrations and taxonomic data from the

above-mentioned set of Identification Sheets, as well as the notes and local species names collected during thefield mission. The final document was prepared under the FAO Species Identification Programme, and theprinting was funded by the FAO Regular Programme.

The author wishes to express her gratitude to all those who have contributed in one way or another to theimplementation of this project, and particularly to:

Dr W. Brandhorst, Chief Technical Adviser, UNDP/FAO Marine Fisheries Development Project

(Pakistan) for his effective support to the field activities in Pakistan and to the elaboration of the finaldocument at FAO/HQ.

Dr Abdul Majid, Director General, Marine Fisheries Department (Pakistan).

Ms Nadira Mirza, Museum Curator, Marine Fisheries Department (Pakistan) for her valuable help in thecollection of data by species throughout the mission.

Messrs M. Khalil Uddin, Research Officer and A.H. Zaidi, Senior Statistician, Marine Fisheries

Department (Pakistan), for providing valuable information especially on local species names andstatistical data, respectively.

Messrs M. Moazzam Khan, Senior Research Officer, Directorate of Fisheries Government of Baluchis-

tan and M. Sadic Niazi, Zoologist, Zoological Survey Department (Pakistan), for having providedprecious information on local species denominations and fisheries of the Baluchistan region. Mr Niazi,in particular, made available an unpublished work on "The commercial fishes of Pakistan" (by M. FarooqAhmad and M. Sadiq Niazi).

Mr N.P. van Zalinge, Resources Management Adviser, UNDP/FAO Marine Fisheries DevelopmentProject, Karachi (Pakistan), for the information on the shrimp fisheries of Pakistan.

To the FAO staff in Pakistan and at FAO/HQ for their valuable assistance at the various stages of thework and in particular to Mrs M. Kautenberger-Longo who skillfully assisted with the typing and pagecomposition of the document.

To Dr J.E. Randall, B. Bishop Museum, Honolulu, Hawaii, for kindly providing his valuable colour slides

which were already used in the Species Identification Sheets for the Western Indian Ocean.

Special thanks are due to:

Dr B.C. Russell, Museums and Art Galleries of the Northern Territory, Darwin, Australia, for his

substantial contribution in the collection of local names and additional information on habitat andbiology of several species.

Dr Mathias Stehmann, Institut für Seefischerei, Zoologisches Institut and Zoologisches Museum derU n i v e r s i t a t H a m b u r g , F e d e r a l R e p u b l i c o f G e r m a n y , f o r h a v i n g p r o v i d e d a l l t h e t a x o n o m i c i n f o r m a t i o n

on the batoid fishes of Pakistan. This section could not have been included without his help.

Dr L.B. Holthuis, Rijksmuseum Van Natuurlijke Histoire, The Netherlands, for helping in the selection

of species of crabs and for providing information and iconographic sources for this group.

Technical Editor: W. FischerSenior Fishery Resources Officer

Marine Resources Service

Fishery Resources and Environment Division

For bibliographic purposes this document should be cited as follows:

Bianchi, G., FAO species identification sheets for fishery purposes. Field guide to the commercial marine and

1985 brackish-water species of Pakistan. Prepared with the support of PAK/77/033 and FAO (FIRM)

Regular Programme. Rome, FAO, 200 p.

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Summary

This field guide includes the marine and brackish-water

species of bony fishes, sharks, batoid fishes, lobsters,shrimps, crabs and cephalopods believed to be of interest

to f i s h e r i e s i n Pa ki s t a n . Ea c h m a jo r r e s o u r c e s g r o u p i sintroduced by a general section on technical terms, fol-

lowed by an annotated and illustrated list of the more

important species which includes FAO names, local names

commonly used (Sindhi, Baluchi and English), maximumsize, habitat, fishing gear and interest to fisheries. A

composite index of scientific and vernacular family and

species names is also provided.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

INTRODUCTION xi

BONY FISHES

TECHNICAL TERMS 1Families

Megalopidae - Tarpons 3Albulidae - Bonefishes 3Elopidae - Tenpounders 3Clupeidae - Sardinellas, sardines, herrings, shads, pellonas 4

Engraulidae - Anchovies, thryssas 11Chirocentridae - Wolf-herrings

14

Muraenidae - Morays 15Muraenesocidae - Pike congers

16

Congridae - Congers

17

Ariidae - Sea catfishes

18

Plotosidae - Eel catfishes 22Chanidae - Milkfishes

23

Synodontidae - Lizardfishes 23Harpadontidae - Bombay ducks 24

Bregmacerotidae - Codlets 25Exocoetidae - Flyingfishes 25

Hemiramphidae - Halfbeaks 26

Belonidae - Needlefishes 27Holocentridae - Squirrelfishes, soldierfishes 28

Fistulariidae - Cornetfishes 28

Scorpaenidae - Scorpionfishes, stingfishes, etc

29

Triglidae - Gurnards

29

Platycephalidae - Flatheads

30

Centropomidae - Barramundis

31

Serranidae - Groupers, seabasses, rockcods, etc

31

Teraponidae - Terapon perches, terapons

36

Sillaginidae - Sillagos

37

Lactariidae - False trevallies

38

Rachycentridae - Cobias 38

Echeneididae - Sharksuckers 38

Carangidae - Jacks, trevallies, scads, runners, etc 39

Coryphaenidae - Dolphinfishes 53

Menidae - Moonfishes 53

Leiognathidae - Ponyfishes, toothponies 54

Gerreidae - Silver-biddies 57

Lutjanidae - Jobfishes, snappers 58

Nemipteridae - Threadfin breams, monocle breams

64

Lobotidae - Tripletails

67

Haemulidae (Pomadasyidae) - Sweetlips, rubberlips, hotlips, grunters, piggies

68

Lethrinidae - Emperors, pig-face breams, large-eye breams

73

Sparidae - Seabreams, soldierbreams 74

Sciaenidae - Croakers, drums, etcMullidae - Goatfishes 86Ephippidae - Spadefishes

89

Drepanidae - Sicklefishes 89

Platacidae - Batfishes 89

Scatophagidae - Scats 90

Pomacanthidae - Angelfishes 90

Pomacentridae - Damselfishes 90

Mugilidae - Mullets 91

Sphyraenidae - Barracudas 95

Polynemidae - Threadfins

97

Labridae - Wrasses

98

Scaridae - Parrotfishes

98

Siganidae - Spinefoots, rabbitfishes

99

Scombridae - Albacores, bonitos, kawakawas, mackerels, etc

100

Trichiuridae - Hairtails

104

Istiophoridae - Sailfishes, marlins 105

Xiphiidae - Swordfishes

107

Stromateidae - Silver pomfrets 107

Nomeidae - Driftfishes 10 8

Ariommidae - Ariommas 10 9

Psettodidae - Spiny turbots 10 9

Bothidae - Lefteye flounders 10 9

78

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Page

Soleidae - SolesCynoglossidae - Tonguesoles

112

Balistidae - Triggerfishes 115

Monacanthidae - Leatherjackets 115

Tetraodontidae - Pufferfishes 11 5

Triacanthidae - Tripodfishes 11 6

SHARKSTECHNICAL TERMS

117

FamiliesAlopiidae - Thresher sharks

118

Carcharhinidae - Requiem sharks

119

Ginglymostomatidae - Nurse sharks

12 4

Hemigaleidae - Snaggletooth sharks

125

Hemiscylliidae - Carpetsharks 125

Lamnidae - Makos

12 6

Odontaspididae - Tigersharks 12 6

Rhiniodontidae - Whalesharks 12 7

Scyliorhinidae - Catsharks 127

Sphyrnidae - Hammerheads 127

Stegostomatidae - Zebra sharks 12 9

Triakidae - Topes 12 9

BATOID FISHES

TECHNICAL TERMS 131

Families

Dasyatidae - Stingrays, whiprays

13 2

Gymnuridae - Butterfly rays

13 5

Mobulidae - Devilrays, mantas

13 5

Myliobatidae - Eaglerays

136

Narcinidae - Electric rays

138

Narkidae - Numbrays 138

Pristidae - Sawfishes 139

Rajidae - Skates 139

Rhinobatidae - Guitarfishes 140

Rhinopteridae - Cownose rays 141

Rhynchobatidae - Wedgefishes 141

Torpedinidae - Electric rays 142

LOBSTERS

TECHNICAL TERMS 14 3

FamiliesPalinuridae - Spiny lobsters 14 4

Scyllaridae - Locust lobsters

146

SHRIMPS AND PRAWNS

TECHNICAL TERMS 147

Families

Penaeidae - Penaeid shrimps, penaeid prawns 148

Solenoceridae - Mud shrimps 155

TRUE CRABS

TECHNICAL TERMS157

FamiliesPortunidae - Coral crabs, swimming crabs

158

Calappidae - Box crabs 15 9

CEPHALOPODS

TECHNICAL TERMS 161

Families

Loliginidae - Squids

16 3

Octopodidae - Octopuses 16 4

Sepiidae - Cuttlefishes 16 7

INDEX OF SCIENTIFIC AND VERNACULAR NAMES 16 9

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COLOUR PLATES

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COLOUR PLATES

PLATE I

MEGALOPIDAE 1 Megalops cyprinoides 58 0 mm TL, Madagascar Photo: G. BianchiCLUPEIDAE 2 Anodontostoma chacunda 105 mm SL, India Photo: J.E. Randall

3 Hilsa kelee 2 28 mm TL, Madagascar Photo: G. Bianchi4 Sardinella albella 1 48 mm TL, Madagascar Photo: G. Bianchi

ENGRAULIDAE 5 Stolephorus commersonii 95 mm SL, India Photo: J.E. RandallSYNODONTIDAE 6 Saurida undosquamis 3 63 m m TL, Bahrain Photo: J.E. Randall

HEMIRAMPHIDAE 7

PLATE II

Hemiramphus far 355 mm TL, Madagascar Photo: G. BianchiBELONIDAE Strongylura strongylura 343 mm SL, India Photo: J.E. RandallSERRANIDAE 9 Epinephelus bleekeri 337 mm SL, India Photo: J.E. Randall

10 Epinephelus chlorostigma 327 mm SL, Red Sea Photo: J.E. Randall11 Epinephelus diacanthus 329 mm SL, India Photo: J.E. Randall

12 Epinephelus fasciatus 153 mm SL, Mauritius Photo: J.E. Randall

13

PLATE III

Epinephelus fuscoguttatus 90 mm SL, Red Sea Photo: J.E. Randall

14 Epinephelus latifasciatus 274 mm SL, India Photo: J.E. Randall

15 Epinephelus malabaricus 584 mm SL, Red Sea Photo: J.E. Randall16 Epinephelus morrhua 345 mm SL, Red Sea Photo: J. E. Randall

17 Epinephelus tauvina 310 mm SL, Red Sea Photo: J. E. Randall18 Epinephelus undulosus 158 mm SL, the Philippines Photo: J. E. Randall

TERAPONIDAE 19

PLATE IV

Terapon jarbua 138 mm TL, Madagascar Photo: G. Bianchi20 Terapon pota 105 mm SL, Bahrain Photo: J.E. Randall

SILLAGINIDAE 21 Sillago sihama 1B7 mm SL, India Photo: J.E. Randall

CARANGIDAE 22 Alectis i ndicus 265 mm TL, Madagascar Photo: G. Bianchi

23 Alepes djedaba 185 mm TL, Madagascar Photo: G. Bianchi

24 Carangoides bajad 430 mm SL, Bahrain Photo: J.E. Randall

25

PLATE V

Carangoides chrysophrys 262 mm FL, India Photo: J.E. Randall

26 Carangoides

ferdau 243 mm SL, Bahrain Photo: J.E. Randall27 Carangoides malabaricus 272 mm SL, Bahrain Photo: J.E. Randall

28 Caranx ignobilis 215 mm TL, Madagascar Photo: G. Bianchi

29 Caranx sexfasciatus 705 mm TL, Madagascar Photo: G. Bianchi

30 Megalaspis cordata 372 mm TL, Madagascar Photo: G. Bianchi

31

PLATE VI

Scomberoides lysa n 202 mm TL, Madagascar Photo: G. Bianchi

32 Scomberoides tol 365 mm TL, Madagascar Photo: G. Bianchi

33 Trachinotus blochii 687 mm TL, Bahrain Photo: J.E. Randall

34 Trachinotus mookalee 548 mm FL, India Photo: J.E. Randall

35 Trachurus indicus 189 mm TL, The Gulf Photo: J.E. Randall

MENIDAE 36 Mene maculata 175 mm TL, Madagascar Photo: G. Bianchi

LEIOGNATHIDAE 37

PLATE VII

Gazza minuta 12 7 mm TL Drawing prov. by P.S.B.R. James

38 Leiognathus berbis 93 mm TL Drawing prov. by P.S.B.R. James

39 Leiognathus bindus 12 3 mm TL Drawing prov.by P.S.B.R. James

40 Leiognathus blochi 90 mm TL Drawing prov. by P.S.B.R. James

41 Leiognathus brevirostris 1 04 mm TL Drawing prov.by P.S.B.R. James

42 Leiognathus daura 13 1 mm TL Drawing prov.by P.S.B.R. James

43

PLATE VIII

Leiognathus dussumieri 131 mm TL Drawing prov. by P.S.B.R. James

44 Leiognathus equulus 156 mm TL Drawing prov. by P.S.B.R. James

45 Leiognathus fasciatus 90 mm TL Drawing prov. by P.S.B.R. James

46 Leiognathus leuciscus 12 5 mm TL Drawing prov.by P.S.B.R. James

47 Leiognathus lineolatus 1 03 mm TL Drawing prov.by P.S.B.R. James

48 Leiognathus

splendens 12 0

mm TL Drawing prov. by

P.S.B.R. James


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Pinjalo pinjalo

PLATE IX

49 Secutor insidiator 107 mm TL Drawing prov. by P.S.B.R. James

LUTJANIDAE 50 Aphareus furcatus Drawing: M. Thompson

51 Aprion virescens Drawing: R. Swainston

52 Etelis carbunculus Drawing: M. Thompson

53 Lipocheilus carnolabrum Drawing: M. Thompson

54 Lutjanus argentimaculatus Drawing: R. Swainston

55

PLATE X

Lutjanus bengalensis Drawing: M. Thompson

56 Lutjanus bohar Drawing: M. Thompson

57 Lutjanus caeruleolineatus Drawing: M. Thompson

58 Lutjanus ehrenbergii Drawing: M. Thompson

59 Lutjanus erythropterus Drawing: R. Swainston

60 Lutjanus fulviflamma Drawing: R. Swainston

61

PLATE XI

Lutjanus fulvus Drawing: M. Thompson

62 Lutjanus g i bbus Drawing: R. Swainston63 Lutjanus j ohnii Drawing: R. Swainston

64 Lutjanus kasmira Drawing: M. Thompson

65 Lutjanus lemniscatus Drawing: R. Swainston66 Lutjanus lunulatus Drawing: M. Thompson

67

PLATE XII

Lutjanus lutjanus Drawing: R. Swainston

68 Lutjanus malabaricus Drawing: R. Swainston

69 Lutjanus rivulatus Drawing: M. Thompson

70 Lutjanus russelli Drawing: R. Swainston

71 Lutjanus sanquineus Drawing: M. Thompson

72 Lutjanus sebae Drawing: R. Swainston

73

PLATE XIII

Lutjanus vitta Drawing: R. Swainston

74 Macolor niger Drawing: R. Swainston

75 Paracaesio xanthurus Drawing: R. Swainston

76 Drawing: P. Lastrico

77 Pristipomoides multidens Drawing: M. Thompson

78 Pristipomoides zonatus Drawing: M. Thompson

NEMIPTERIDAE 79

PLATE X IV

Nemipterus bipunctatus Drawing: D. Eggleston

80 Nemipterus japonicus 186 mm SL, Madras, India Photo: J.E. Randall81 Nemipterus metopias Drawing: D. Eggleston

82 Parascolopis eriomma 198 mm SL, Ryukyu Islands Photo: J.E. Randall

83 Scolopsis vosmeri 159 mm SL, Sri Lanka Photo: J.E. Randall

84 Scolopsis bimaculatus 90 mm SL, Mulloor Point, India Photo: J.E. Randall

85

PLATE XV

Scolopsis ghanam 150 mm SL, Red Sea Photo: J.E. RandallLOBOTIDAE 86 Lobotes surinamensis 480 mm TL, Madagascar Photo: G. Bianchi

HAEMULIDAE 87 Diagramma pictum 504 mm SL, Red Sea Photo: J.E. Randall88 Plectorhinchus gibbosus 277 mm SL, Seychelles Photo: J.E. Randall89 Plectorhinchus orientalis 216 mm SL, Sri Lanka Photo: J.E. Randall90 Pomadasys furcatus 230 mm TL, Madagascar Photo: G. Bianchi

91

PLATE XVI

Pomadasys maculatura 122 mm SL, India Photo: J.E. Randall92 Pomadasys kaakan 212 mm TL Madagascar Photo: G. Bianchi

LETHRINIDAE 93 Lethrinus elongatus 430 mm SL, Marshall Islands Photo: J.E. Randall94 Lethrinus harak 207 mm SL, Sudan Photo: J.E. Randall95 Lethrinus microdon 122 mm SL, New Britain Photo: J.E. Randall96

Lethrinus nebulosus 234 mm SL, India Photo: J.E. Randall


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PLATE XVII

97 Lethrinus ramak 295 mm SL, Marshall Islands Photo: J.E. Randall98 Monotaxis grandoculis 220 mm SL, Marshall Islands Photo: J.E. Randall

SPARIDAE 99 Acanthopagrus berda 185 mm TL, Madagascar Photo: G. Bianchi100 Acanthopagrus bifasciatus 2 60 mm SL, Bahrain Photo: J.E. Randall101 Argyrops sinifer 288 mm SL, Bahrain Photo: J.E. Randall1 02 Crenidens crenidens 198 mm TL, Madagascar Photo: G. Bianchi

SCIAENIDAE 103

PLATE XVIII

Dendrophysa russelli 1 37 mm SL, India Photo: J.E. Randall104 Otolithes ruber 21 7 mm SL, India Photo: J.E. Randall

MULLIDAE 105 Mulloides flavolineatus 158 mm SL, Mauritius Photo: J.E. Randall106 Mulloides vanicolensis 150 mm SL, Tanzania Photo: J.E. Randall107 Parupeneus barberinus 243 mm SL, Fanning Islands Photo: J.E. Randall108 Parupeneus bifasciatus 198 mm SL, Oaku, Hawaii Photo: J.E. Randall

109

PLATE XIX

Parupeneus cinnabarinus 234 mm SL, Lord Howe Islands Photo: J.E. Randall110 Parupeneus cyclostomus 159 mm SL, Marshall Islands Photo: J.E. Randall11 1 Parupeneus cyclostomus 222 mm SL, Kona, India Photo: J.E. Randall112 Parupeneus indicus 164 mm SL, Tuticorin, India Photo: J.E. Randall

11 3 Parupeneus macronema 151 mm SL, Red Sea Photo: J.E. Randall114 Upeneus moluccensis 136 mm SL, Ambon, Indonesia Photo: J.E. Randall

11 5

PLATE XX

Upeneus sulphureus 160 mm SL, Madras, India Photo: J.E. Randall11 6 Upeneus taeniopterus 120 mm SL, Madras, India Photo: J.E. Randall11 7 Upeneus tragula 116 mm SL, Bahrain Photo: J.E. Randall11 8 Upeneus vittatus 155 mm SL, Mauritius Photo: J.E. Randall

DREPANIDAE 11 9 Drepane punctata 1 59 mm SL, India Photo: J.E. RandallPLATACIDAE 12 0 Platax orbicularis , Maldives Photo: J.E. Randall

SCATOPHAGIDAE 12 1

PLATE XXI

Scatophagus argus , India Photo: J.E. RandallMugilidae 12 2 Liza parsia 217 mm SL, India Photo: J.E. Randall

12 3 Mugil cephalus 254 mm SL, India Photo: J.E. Randall12 4 Valamugil speigler i 12 2 mm SL, India Photo: J.E. Randall12 5 Eleutheronema tetradactylum 12 5 mm SL, India Photo: J.E. Randall

POLYNEMIDAE 12 6 Polynemus sextarius 186 mm TL, Madagascar Photo: G. Bianchi

SIGANIDAE 12 7

PLATE XXII

Siganus canaliculatus Drawing: A. Meschini12 8 Siganus ja vus Drawing: A. Meschini12 9 Siganus sinus Drawing: A. Meschini

SCOMBRIDAE 13 0 Auxis thazard 401 mm FL, Bahrain Photo: J.E. Randall13 1 Rastrelliger kanagurta 23 8 mm FL, Cochin, India Photo: J.E. Randall13 2 Scomberomorus commerson 65 8 mm FL, Bahrain Photo: J.E. Randall

PSETTODIDAE 13 3

PLATE XXIII

Psettodes erumei Madagascar Photo: G. BianchiSOLEIDAE 134 Euryglossa orientalis 170 mm SL Photo: J.E. Randall

BOTHIDAE 13 5 Bothus pantherinus 1 24 mm SL, Bahrain Photo: J.E. RandallBALISTIDAE 13 6 Abalistes stellatus 2 80 mm SL, Bahrain Photo: J.E. Randall

TRIACANTHIDAE 13 7 Pseudotriacanthus strigilifer 75 mm SL Photo: J.E. Randall13 8 Triacanthus biaculeatus 17 5 mm SL Photo: J.E. Randall

CARCHARHINIDAE 139

PLATE XXIV

Carcharhinus leucas 69 0 mm TL, India Photo: J.E. Randall140 Loxodon macrorhinus 7 23 mm TL, India Photo: J.E. Randall141 Rhizoprionodon acutus 51 5 mm TL, India Photo: J.E. Randall

EHINOBATIDAE 142 Rhinobatos granulatus 71 6 mm TL, India Photo: J.E. Randall

RHYNCHOBATIDAE 143 Rhynchobatus djeddensis 705 mm TL, India Photo: J.E. Randall

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INTRODUCTION

This guide is designed as a practical tool for all fisheries workers within Pakistan, particularlythose who are confronted with the daily task of collecting fisheries statistics and other data by specieson landing places and in fish markets. It includes those marine and brackish water species of bony

fishes, sharks, batoid fishes, lobsters, shrimps, crabs and cephalopods considered as regular componentsof the catches along the Pakistan coast.

Correct identification of species entering the catches is of significant importance for the

i mprovement of the quality of statistical data utilized by the Fisheries Division and other relevant unitsi n the Pakistan administration, in order to facilitate an adequate planning of fisheries development andmanagement of the country's living marine and brackish-water resources.. Because of the great species

diversity characteristic of this area, the considerable difficulties in separating similar species, in

establishing meaningful groupings of species, and the unavailability of proper taxonomic literature, it isessential to provide national fishery workers with practical and reliable guidance in this field. Ourleading idea was to achieve a compact and easily manageable booklet that would be at the reach of fishery workers at all levels. Consequently, the guide had to be based largely an illustrations, while thetext was kept as succint as possible. This obviously implies certain limitations of the guide as a means

of scientific identification of all species. It is therefore strongly recommended, in case of doubt, toconsult the regional set of FAO Species Identification Sheets for the Western Indian Ocean, which is

more comprehensive in species coverage and gives a much more detailed account of the diagnosticcharacters of each species.

Pakistan has a coastline of 527 nautical miles and has an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)extending offshore to 200 nautical miles. There are two main fishing areas: Karachi-Sind, extendingsoutheast from Karachi to the Indian border (about 180 miles) and the Mekran coast, west of Karachiand along the coast of Baluchistan to the Iranian border (about 350 miles). The former area, withKarachi harbour as its main base, is characterized by a broad continental shelf (extending about 60

nautical miles out from the coast to a depth of 200 m), a coastline marked by innumerable small creeks

and the Delta of the Indus River, and by a muddy, easily trawlable bottom. The sparsely populated

Mekran coastline is formed by large bays and has a narrow (25 to 30 miles wide), abruptly descendingshelf (to 1 500 to 3 000 m), and many widely despersed landing places. The bottom is mostly rocky and

the fishing is only possible within the narrow plain ground of the shelf which varies in its width from 10

to 30 miles. Thl entire shelf areas are estimated to be about 35 740 km in the Karachi/Sind area and

about 14 530 km in the Mekran area. The climate and oceanographic conditions are generally tropical

and subject to monsoons during the summer to autumn. Upwelling of cold, nutrient-rich, low-oxygen

waters occur all year round but is stronger during the southwest monsoon period and greatly affects the

distribution and migration of fish in the region.

The total annual fish production of Pakistan is in the order of 300 000 t of which about 260 000 t

is marine fish. Of this total, about 20 000 t are shrimp. At present, fishermen using traditional fishing

craft and gear, exploit coastal waters to a depth of about 10 to 15 m. Apart from the foreign joint

venture trawlers operating in the EEZ, there is little or no local fishing in deeper waters. The major

groups taken are rays, sharks, sardines, catfish, jewfish and croakers, mackerels, tuna and Indian Shad.Most of the shrimp is frozen and exported to Japan, USA, UK, Singapore, Belgium, France, etc. Finfish

is dried or dried-salted and exported mainly to Sri Lanka.

Presentation and Format

Each one of the major commercial groups is introduced by a schematic illustration showing the

main parts of a typical representative and some measurements and technical terms of general use to

fishery workers.

Families (block letters in boxes at upper right corner of the sheets) are arranged by similarity for

the bony fishes and in alphabetical order for the other groups. Species are arranged in alphabetical

order (by scientific names) within each family.

Texts for each species are restricted to information on names (scientific, regional and local) size,

fishing gear and habitat. Families including several species are introduced by a general section where

information on interest to fisheries of that group is also given. The words in brackets following local

names indicate the language to which the name belongs: Sindhi (Sin), Baluchi (Bat) or English (En). All

information on species identification is presented in the form of captions and arrows directly on the

species illustrations.

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opercle

opercular

membrane

depth of body

caudal pedunclelenght of

postorbital

eye

lenghtorbitalpre-

lenght

branchio-stegal

rays

nape

2nd dorsal

fin origin

caudal fin(upper lobe)

caudal fin(lower lobe)

caudal peduncle

anal fin

anus

lateral line

pectoral fin

suborbitalplate

chin

nos-trils

pre-

head length

upper jaw

premaxilla maxilla

standard length

opercle

TECHNICAL TERMS AND PRINCIPAL MEASUREMENTS

total length

interdorsal space1st dorsal

fin base

2nd dorsal fin base

length of pectoral fin

General Nomenclature of the External Morphology

1st dorsal fin

pelvic fin

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BONY FISHES

2nd dorsal fin

fork length

anal fin base

l o w e r j a w



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terminal

spines

(unsegmented,

alwaysunbranched)

example of a continuous dorsal fin

of a spiny-rayed fish

posteriormargin

smooth

subterminal

cycloid ctenoid

schematic examples of "normal" scales

- 2 -

BONY FISHES

Details

(all schematic examples)

inferior superior protrusible

types of mouth

adipose fin

most common types of caudal fin

molar-like

most common types of teeth

gill arch

(lower part)

first left gill arch

finlets

gill arch

(upper part)

canine-like

villiformprotractedretracted

incisor like

posterior

margin

spiny

gill rake

s o f t r a y s ( s e g m e n t e d ,

u s u a l l y b r a n c h e d )

gill

filaments

rounded truncate emarginate lunate forked pointed

pointed and

separated from the

dorsal and anal fins

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14/231


Megalops cyprinoides (Broussonet, 1782)

Synonyms : None

Loc. names : Kinarhal (Sin); Mota (Bal)Tarpon (En)

FAO names : En - Indo-Pacific tarponFr - Tarpon indo-pacifiqueSp - Tarpon indo-pacifico

Size : Max.: 55 cm; common to 30 cm

Fishing gear : Caught with gillnets, seines and trawls

Habitat and biology : A pelagic species, usually found in coastal waters,

including lagoons and estuaries. Feeds on fishes and crustaceans

Interest to fisheries : Present all along the coast, but caught only in smallquantities

Albula vulpes (Linnaeus, 1758)

Elops machnata (Forsskål, 1775)

Synonyms Elops saurus ( misidentification)

Loc. names : Kinarhal (Sin); Nar, Bagga (Bal)Tenpounder (En)

FAO names : En - TenpounderFr - Guinée saumonSp - Malacho salmòn


Fishing gear : Caught with seines, gillnets and handlines

Habitat and biology : Pelagic, i n coastal waters, sometimes enteringlagoons and estuaries. Spawning probably takes place at sea and thelarvae migrate to inshore nursery areas. Feeds on small fishes and

crustaceans

Interest to fisheries : Caught occasionally, no special fishery for this

species

underside of head

Synonyms : None

Loc. names : Viat (Sin); Mushk (Bal)Lady fish (En)

FAO names : En - Roundjaw bonefishFr - Banane lèvre rondeSp - Macabi boca redonda

Size : Max.: to at least 50 cm

Fishing gear : Taken mainly with gillnets, on hook and line and by castnets

Habitat and biology : Usually found over sand and mud bottoms, in shallow coastal waters. Feeds on the bottom,using the snout for grubbing

Interest to fisheries : Caught only occasionally, no special fishery for this species. The flesh is said to be rather

good.

NOTE: The species Albula vulpes has recently been separated into two new species, A. glossodonta and A.neoguinaica because of differences in the shape of the mouth and of the parasphenoid and basibranchial toothpatches. For questions of simplicity, and since more research is still needed, we use here the old name A. vulpesfor both forms

ELOPIDAE

underside of head

- 3 -

B O N Y F I S H E S

P L A T E I , 1 M E G A L O P I D A E

ALBULIDAE


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Loc. names : Palli, Palla, Goi, Mittoo, etc.

FAO names : En - Herrings, shads, sardinellas, sprats, sardines, etc.Fr - Sardinelles, aloses, shadines, harengs, chardins, etc.Sp - Sardinelas, sábalos, sardines, sardine's , arenques, etc.

Size : Most species are rather small (between 15 and 20 cm) except for Tenualosa species which may reach 60 cm

Fishing gear : Seines, trawls, gillnets, castnets, beach seines and stakenets

Habitat and biology : Most species are marine but several ( Dussumieria, Thrissocles and Ilisha species) can standlow salinities and are often caught in estuaries. Tenualosa ilisha ascends rivers for breeding. Most species form

large schools

Interest to fisheries : The combined annual catches of clupeid fishes (from 1972 to 1983) averaged 32 533 t andwere represented mainly by Tenualosa ilisha and Sardinella longiceps ( Marine Fisheries Department, Governmentof Pakistan, 1984). However, these figures probably include many other clupeid species. Most of these smallpelagic fishes are caught together in mixed catches and are used for fishmeal

Anodontostoma chacunda ( Ham.Buch., 1822)

Synonyms None

Loc. names : Daddi-palli (Sin); Goi (Bal)Shortnose gizzard shad (En)

FAO names : En - Chacunda gizzard-shadFr - Alose chacondeSp - Sábalo chacunda


Fishing gear : Caught with seines, shallow trawls,

castnets and wire nets (modified purse seine)

Habitat and biology : Pelagic, in inshore waters.Feeds upon detritus, phytoplankton and zooplankton(predominantly small copepods and larval fishes).Sexually ripe from November to January

Interest to fisheries : Caught mainly in November and December on the Baluchistan coast. Dried and used forthe production of fishmeal

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BONY FISHES

CLUPEIDAE

PLATE I, 2


16/231

Dussumieria acuta Valenciennes, 1847

Synonyms None

Loc. names : Tel-tampri (Sin)Common sprat (En)

FAO names : En - Rainbow sardineFr - Sardine arc-en-cielSp - Sardina arco iris


Fishing gear : Caught with setnets, beach and purse seines and shallow water trawls

Habitat and biology : Pelagic, in inshore waters

Escualosa thoracata (Valenciennes, 1847)

Synonyms : Kowala thoracata Fowler, 1941Kowala coval auct.

Loc. names : Mithoo (Sin); Bee-chum (Bal)White sardine, Transparent herring (En)

FAO names : En - White sardineFr - Alose biancheSp - Sardina bianca


Fishing gear : Caught with seines, liftnets and shal-low trawls

Habitat and biology : Pelagic in coastal waters.Feeds on zooplankton (copepods, crab and bivalvelarvae, fish eggs) and on phytoplankton

Hilsa kelee (Cuvier, 1829)

Synonyms : Macrura kelee Fowler, 1941

Hilsa kanaqurta (Bleeker, 1852)

Loc. names : Palli (Sin); Kolgar, Barrag (juv.)(Bal)Fivespot herring (En)

FAO names : En - Kelee shadFr - Alose palliSp - Sábalo chandano


Fishing gear : Caught with seines, liftnets andtrawls. Consumed fresh but also processed to fish-meal

Habitat and biology : Pelagic in coastal waters

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BONY FISHES

CLUPEIDAE

P L A T E I , 3


17/231

Ilisha megaloptera (Swainson, 1839)

Synonyms : None

Loc. names : Palli (Sin); Bee-chum (Bal)

FAO names : En - Bigeye ilishaFr - Alosa à gros yeuxSp - Sardineta ojigrande

Max.: 28 cm; common to 20 cm

Fishing gear : Caught with seines, liftnets and trawls


Ilisha melastoma (Schneider, 1801)

Ilisha indica (Swainson, 1839)Ilisha brachysoma (Bleeker, 1852)Ilisha filigera (Valenciennes) (mis.)

Loc. names : Palli (Sin); Bee-chum (Bal)Jewelled shad (En)

FAO names : En - Indian ilishaFr - Alose indienne

Sp - Sardineta indica


Fishing gear : Caught with seines, liftnets andtrawls in shallow waters


Synonyms

Nematalosa nasus (Bloch, 1795)

Synonyms None

Loc. names : Daddi-palli (Sin); Goi (Bal)Long-ray bony bream (En)

FAO names : En - Bloch's gizzard-shadFr - Chardin gros nezSp - Machuelo narigón


Fishing gear : Caught with seines, liftnets and trawls

Habitat and biology : Pelagic, in coastal waters,also entering estuaries. Found in large numbers increeks

- 6 -

BONY FISHES

CLUPEIDAE

Size :


18/231


19/231

S a r d i n e l l a l o n g i c e p s V a l e n c i e n n e s , 1 8 4 7

Sardinella gibbosa (Bleeker, 1849)

Loc. names : Tarli, Luar (Sin); Lugger, Luar (Bal)

FAO names : En - Goldstripe sardinellaFr - Sardinelle doréeSp - Sardinela dorada


Fishing gear : Caught with seines and trawls

Habitat and biology : Coastal, pelagic, schooling.The possible confusion with other Sardinella species,especially S . fimbriata, makes published biologicaldata not fully reliable

Synonyms : None

FAO names : En - Indian oil-sardineFr - Sardinelle indienneSp - Sardinela aceitera


Fishing gear : Caught with seines and trawls,castnets and wire nets (modified purse seine)

Habitat and biology : A pelagic species, mainly coas-tal. Forms large schools and is highly migratory.Feeds mainly on phytoplankton and detritus. Espe-cially abundant along the Baluchistan coast. Sexuallyripe from July to December

Interest to fisheries : Caught throughout the year,

but in the Gwader area on the Baluchistan coastoccurs in abundance during May and September.

Separate catch statistics reported by the Handbookof Fisheries Statistics of Pakistan (1973-83) rangefrom 4 008 t (1974) to 56 346 t (1981) with an averageof 25 059 t. However, these figures probably also

include other species of Sardinella

- 8 -

BONY FISHES

Synonyms : Sardinella jussieu (Lacepède 1803) (noSardinella tembang (Bleeker, 1851)Sardinella taiwanensis Raja & Hiyama, 1969

Oil sardine (En)

CLUPEIDAE

Loc. names : Tarli, Luar (Sin); Lugger, Luar (Bal)

scale

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21/231

Spratelloides gracilis (Schlegel, 1846)

Synonyms : Stolephorus japonicus :

Fowler, 1941

Loc. names : Tel-tampri (Sin); Basali (Bal)Blue sprat ? (En)

FAO names : En - Striped round herringFr - Hareng gracileSp - Arenquillo de banda

Size : Max.: 9.5 cm; common to 7 cm

Fishing gear : Caught with beach seines

Habitat and biology : Pelagic, in shallow coastal waters

Tenualosa ilisha (Ham.Buch., 1822)

Synonyms : Hilsa ilisha : Fowler, 1941; Whitehead, 1973

Loc. names : Palla (Sin); Palwar, Tikki palwar (Bal)River shad, Indian shad (En)

FAO names : En - Hilsa shadFr - Alose paluvaSp - Sábalo de la India


Fishing gear : Caught with fishing weirs anddrift gillnets during the upstream migration inrivers, with gillnets and seines in the sea

Habitat and biology :

A pelagic species, found in estuarine areas and in rivers.This species breeds in the upper reaches of rivers, where eggs, larvae and juveniles are found during the southwest monsoon season (main breeding season).The young and juveniles migrate to the lower reaches of estuarine areas and tothe sea from about November onwards. The variation of the intensity of themonsoon during the breeding season seems to be responsible for the considerablefluctuations in the abundance of this fish. This species is heterosexual but casesof hermaphroditism have been observed. Feeds on both zoo- and phytoplankton,filtered with the closely-set, sieve-like gillrakers. (For further information seeFAO Synopsis FB/S25, 1963)

Interest to fisheries : Separate catch statistics reported by the Handbook of Fisheries Statistics of Pakistan

(1973-83) range from 1 592 t (1983) to 11 795 t (1973) with an average of 7 474 t. However, these figuresprobably also include T. toli

BONY FISHES

CLUPEIDAE

- 10 -


22/231

Tenualosa toli (Valenciennes, 1847)

Synonyms : Hilsa toli : Fowler, 1941; Whitehead, 1973

Loc. names : Nur-palla (Sin); Palwar (Bal)Tali shad (En)

FAO names : En - Toli shadFr - Alose tollSp - Sábalo toli


Fishing gear : Mainly caught with gillnets and

seines

Habitat and biology : It occurs in coastal waters, and forms largeconcentrations in bays and creeks. Unlike T. ilisha , it is said not toascend rivers to breed. Feeds on detritus, phytoplankton and

zooplankton

Interest to fisheries : Mainly caught along the Baluchistan coast.Separate statistics are not officially reported for this fish, although

Burney et al . (1985) report about 1 450 t caught from the Baluchistancoast in 1983

Loc. names : Patia, Phyasa, Kagaya, etc.

FAO names : En - Anchovies, thryssasFr - Anchois, alices, anchois-moustacheSp - Anchoas, boquerones, bocartes

Max.: about 20 cm, but most commonbetween 7 and 15 cm

Fishing gear : Seines, bagnets, stakenets, gill-nets and trawls

Habitat and biology : Found mainly in coastal

waters, including creeks and estuaries. Somespecies form large schools

Interest to fisheries : Some species (Coilia dussumieri and Thryssa species) concentrate in large numbers in

creeks along the Sind coast, especially during the cold season. Most species are caught in mixed catches and aremainly used for fishmeal. No separate statistics are reported

Coilia dussumieri Valenciennes, 1848

Synonyms : None

Loc. names : Patia (Sin); Padni (Bal)Dussumier's flag-tail anchovy (En)

FAO names : En - Gold-spotted grenadier anchovyFr - Alice taches d'orSp - Anchoa granadera dorada


Fishing gear : Caught with seines, bagnets and trawlsin shallow waters

Habitat and biology : Inhabits coastal waters and eastuaries

BONY FISHES

CLUPEIDAE

ENGRAULIDAE

- 11 -

Size :


23/231

Coilia neglecta Whitehead, 1968

Synonyms : None

Loc. names : Patia (Sin); Padni (Bal)Flag-tail anchovy (En)

FAO names : En - Neglected grenadier anchovyFr - Alice francheSp - Anchoa granadera plebeya


Fishing gear : Caught with seines and trawls in shal-low waters

Habitat and biology : Inhabits coastal waters andestuaries

Stolephorus commersonii Lacepède, 1803

Synonyms : Anchoviella commersonii : Fowler, 1941

Loc. names : Phyasa (Sin); Padni (Bal)Commerson's anchovy (En)

FAO names : En - Commerson's anchovyFr - Anchois bombraSp - Boquerón bombra

Size : Max.: 10 cm; common of 8 cm

Fishing gear : Caught with seines

Habitat and biology : Pelagic, in coastal waters

Stolephorus indicus (van Hasselt, 1823)

Synonyms : Anchoviella indica : Fowler, 1941

Loc. names : Phyasa (Sin); Padni (Bal)Indian anchovy (En)

FAO names : En - Indian anchovyFr - Anchois indienSp - Boquerón indio

Size : Max.: 15.5 cm; common to 12 cm

Fishing gear : Caught with seines, trawls and

stakenets in shallow waters


- 12 -

BONY FISHES

PLATE I, 5

ENGRAULIDAE


24/231

Thryssa hamiltonii (Gray, 1835)

Synonyms : Thrissocles hamiltonii : Fowler, 1941

Loc. names : Phyasa (small), Paddan (large) (Sin);

Padni (Bal)FAO names : En - Hamilton's thryssa

Fr - Anchois-moustache mamataSp - Bocarte bolinado


Fishing gear : Caught with seines, gillnets and trawlsin shallow waters

Habitat and biology : Pelagic in coastal waters, per-haps alto in estuaries

Thryssa malabarica (Bloch, 1795)

Synonyms : Thrissocles malabarica: Fowler, 1941

Loc. names : Phyasa (small), Paddan (large) (Sin);Padni (Bal)Malabar anchovy (En)

FAO names : En - Malabar thryssaFr - Anchois-moustache malabarSp - Bocarte malabarico


Fishing gear : Caught with boat seines, gillnets and

trawls, in shallow waters

Habitat and biology : Pelagic, in coastal waters,maybe also in estuaries

Thryssa mystax (Schneider, 1801)

Synonyms : Thrissocles mystax : Fowler, 1941

Loc. names : Phyasa (small), Paddan (large) (Sin)Padni (Bal)Moustached anchovy (En)

En - Moustached thryssaFr - Anchois-moustache sardelleSp - Bocarte dompilón


Fishing gear : Caught with seines, gillnets and

trawls in shallow waters

BONY FISHES

Habitat and biology : Pelagic in coastal waters, also in estuaries

ENGRAULIDAE

- 13 -

F A O n a m e s :


25/231

Thryssa setirostris (Broussonet, 1782)

Synonyms

Loc. names : Phyasa (small); Paddan (large) (Sin);Gore padni (Bal)Long-jaw anchovy (En)

FAO names : En - Longjaw thryssaFr - Anchois-moustache cornuSp - Bocarte de cuernos


Fishing gear : Caught with seines, gillnets andtrawls in shallow waters

Habitat and biology : Pelagic in coastal waters, also in estuaries

Thryssa vitrirostris ( Gilchrist & Thompson, 1908)

Synonyms

Thrissocles setirostris : Fowler, 1941

Thrissocles vitrirostris : Fowler, 1941

Loc. names : Phyasa (small), Paddan (large) (Sin);Padni (Bal)

FAO names : En - Orangemouth anchovyFr - Anchois-moustache cristalSp - Bocarte cristal

Size : Max.:

Fishing gear : Boat seines, gillnets and trawls in shallow waters

Habitat and biology : Pelagic, in coastal waters, also in estuaries

Loc. names : Kerli, Gairi (Sin); Pashant (Bal)

FAO names : En - Wolf-herringsFr - ChirocentresSp - Arencones


Fishing gear : Caught with gillnets, seines, shallow trawls and traps

Habitat and biology : Pelagic, inshore species, feeding mainly on small fishes, crustaceans and other inverte-brates. Sexually ripe specimens of C. dorab are found in August and December on the Baluchistan coast, butdetailed information about breeding season lacking. C . nudus and C. dorab are often confused sand the informationon the biology of the two species can hardly be used

Interest to fisheries : Separate statistics are given for Chirocentrus dorab , but they probably also representcatches of C. nudus. Catches reported by the Handbook of Fisheries Statistics of Pakistan (1973-83) range from3 5 3 t ( 1 9 8 3 ) t o 10 5 7 4 t ( 19 8 2 ) , w i t h a n a v e r a g e o f 4 2 17 t . M a r k e t e d f r e s h o r s a l t e d -d r i e d . E x p o r t e d t o S r i L a n k a

- 1 4 -

BONY FISHESENGRAULIDAE

CHIROCENTRIDAE

Size :


26/231

Loc. names : Barn, Sand (Sin); Riami slang (Bal)

FAO names : En - MoraysF r - M ourns

Sp - A renas

Size : Max.: to over 400 cm total length

Fishing gear : Caught mainly with loneliness ,trawls, traps and on hook and line

Habitat and biology : Mostly found in rocky areas of shallow waters where they inhabit holes and crevices. Somespecies are found in turbid waters and estuaries. Active at night, they feed on bottom-dwelling fishes andcrustaceans. Their powerful jaws and teeth can inflict deep and painful wounds.

Interest to fisheries : There is no special fishery for members of this family. Only occasionally caught and con-sumed fresh.

Echidna nebulosa (Ahl, 1789)Starry moraysize: to 80 cm

- 15 -

BONY FISHES

Species of Chirocentridae CHIROCENTRIDAE

Chirocentrus dorab (Forsskål , 1775)Dorab wolf-herringsize: to 100 cm

Species of Muraenidae

Chirocentrus nudus Swainson, 1839Whiten wolf-herring

size: to 100 cm

Thyroidea mercer ( Bleeker, 1854)Giant slender moray

size: to 400 cm

MURAENIDAE

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27/231

Loc. names : Barn, Sankh (Sin); Saang, etc.(Bal)

FAO names : En - Pike congersF r - M o r é n é s o c e sSp - Morenocios

Size : Max.: to 250 cm

Fishing gear : Caught with longlines , draftiestand trawls

Congresox talabonoides (Bleeker, 1853)

Muraenesox cinereus (Forsskål, 1775)

Synonyms Muraenesox arabicus (Schneider, 1801)

Loc. names : Bam, Sankh (Sin);Bar n , Saan g, Tayabi s aan g (Bal)Silver conger eel (En)

FAO names : En - Daggertooth pike congerFr - Morenesoce dagueSp - Morenocio dentón

Size : Max.: 200 c m; c o mmo n to 150 c m

Fishing gear : Caught with longlines and handlines,driftnets, bottom set gillnets and trawls.

BONY FISHES

Synonyms : Muraenesox talabonoides (Ble e ke r , 1853)

Loc. names : Barn, Sand (Sin); Saang, Tayabi saang, Barn (Bal)Pike eel (En)

FAO names : En - Indian pike congerFr - Morénésoce indienSp -Morenocio i ndio


Fishing gear : Caught mainly by lobeline ,driftnets and trawls at night

Habitat and biology : Lives on soft bottoms incoastal waters to about 100 m depth; also ine s tuar ie s . Feeds mainly on bottom-dwellingfishes and on crustaceans

Habitat and biology . Found on the continentalshelf and slope. Species inhabiting shallowwaters are known to be nocturnal and to feedon bottom-living fishes and crustaceans

Interest to fisheries : Muraenesox species constitute the bulk of eels caught in Pakistan, but catch statisticsreported by the Handbook of Fisheries Statistics of Pakistan (1973-83) include Conger species as well. Annualcatch figures range from 350 t (1980) to 3 921 t (1982). They are good food fishes and sold mostly fresh, dry-salted or used as bait for shark fishing

Habitat and biology: Found on the continental shelf and slope. In shallowwaters, known to be nocturnal. Feeds on bottom-living fishes andcrustaceans. Sexually ripe specimens found in November to January on theBaluchistan coast.

Interest to fisheries : Separate statistics are not officially reported for thisspecies. However, Burney et al . (1985) report total landings of about746 000 t for the Baluchistan coast in 1983. Dry-salted for export to SriLanka. Also used as bait for shark fishing

MURAENESOCIDAE

dorsal view of head

- 16 -



28/231

Size :

Muraenesox bagio ( Hamilton-Buchanan, 1822)

Synonyms Muraenesox yamaguchiensis Katayama & Takai, 1954

Loc. names : Bam, Sankh (Sin);Bam, Tayabi saang (Bal)

FAO names : En - Common pike congerFr - Morénésoce communSp - Morenocio común


Fishing gear : Caught with driftnets, long-lines and trawls

Habitat and biology : Lives on soft bottoms, down to 100 m depth. Anocturnal species feeding mainly on bottom-dwelling fish and on crustaceans

Loc. names : Bam, Sankh (Sin); Bam, Saang (Bal)

FAO names : En - Conger eelsFr - CongresSp - Congrios


Fishing gear : Caught on hook and line and intrawls

Habitat and biology : Conger eels occur from

the coast to deep waters of the shelf and

slope. They are mostly active at night, hidingin burrows during daytime. They feed onbottom-dwelling organisms

Interest to fisheries : These fishes are valued as food and are sold mostly fresh.

Conger cinereus cinereus Rüppell, 1828

Synonyms Conger cinereus Rüppell, 1828


FAO names : En - Longfin African congerFr Congre oiroSp - Congrio de aleta larga ( Africa)

BONY FISHES


Fishing gear : Caught mainly by hook and line

Habitat and biology : A common reef species, mostly active at

night. Feeds on small reef organisms

dorsal view of head

MURAENESOCIDAE

CONGRIDAE

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29/231

Uroconger lepturus (Richardson, 1848)

Synonyms : No n e


FAO names : En - Slender congerFr - Congre gracileSp - Congrio coludo


Fishing gear : Caught with fine-meshed trawls

Habitat and biology : Lives offshore on sandy and muddy bottoms.Feeds on bottom-dwelling crustaceans

Interest to fisheries : No special fishery but appears regularly in thecatches. Marketed mostly fresh.

Loc. names : Khagga, Singhara (Sin); Kun (Bal)

FAO names : En - Sea catfishesFr - Mâ choironsSp - Bagres

Max.: to over 100 cm total length

Fishing gear : Bottom trawls, bagnets, dipnets.stake traps, shore seines and on hook. and

Habitat and biology : Sea catfishes are mostly marine but occur also in brackish and fresh waters. They are

usually confined to muddy coastal waters to 50 m depth, but a few species are caught at greater depths. Thesharp pectoral and dorsal fin spines can inflict painful wounds

Interest to fisheries : The sea catfishes may occur in large quantities and their flesh is said to be good. They areusually marketed fresh, but also dry-salted for export to Sri Lanka, and used for the production of fishmeal. Thecombined catches of ariid catfishes reported by the Handbook of Fisheries Statistics of Pakistan (1973-83) rangefrom 7 382 t (1983) to 28 642 t (1978) with an average of 16 952 t

Arius maculatus (Thun be r g, 1792)

- 18 -

BONY FISHES

Synonyms : Arius falcarius Richardson, 1844Tachysurus maculatus (Thun be r g, 1792)

Loc. names : khagga, Singhara (Sin); Aasi, RaingiSpotted catfish (En)

FAO names : En - Spotted catfishFr - Machoiron tachetéSp - Bagre manchado


Fishing gear : Caught with bagnets, dipnets, bamboo-stake traps and with line gear

Habitat and biology : Found in inshore waters and estuaries. Feeds on inverte-brates and small fishes. Full maturity is attained by males and females at about16 cm length

roof of mouth

CONGRIDAE

ARIIDAE

Size :


30/231

Arius platystomus Day, 1877

Synonyms : Tachysurus platystomus ( Day, 1877)

Loc. names : Khagga, Singhara (Sin); Khaggi (Bal)Flat-mouth catfish (En)

FAO names : En - Flatmouth sea catfishFr - Mâ choiron canardSp - Bagre pato


Fishing gear : Caught with bottom trawls, stake traps, shore seines, setbagnets and on hook and line

Habitat and biology : Lives close to the coast, in marine waters as well asin estuaries

Arius tenuispinis Day, 1877

Synonyms Hemipuniclodus tenuispinis Misra, 1976Tachysurus tenuispinis (Day, 1877)

Loc. names : Khagga, Singhara (Sin); Kun (Bal)

FAO names : En - Thinspine catfishFr - Mâ choiron aiguilletteSp - Bagre aqujilla


Fishing gear : Caught with bagn e ts , dipnets,bamboo-stake traps and on hook and line

Habitat and biology : Common in marine coastal waters, to about 50 m depth

Arius thalassinus (R üppell, 1837)

Arius serratus Day, 1877Tachysurus serratus (Day, 1877)Tachysurus thalassinus (Rüppell , 1837)Netuma thalassinus (Rüppell, 1837)

Loc. names : Khagga, Singhara (Sin); Kun (large),Kup-a-go (Bal)Giant catfish (En)

FAO names : En - Giant catfishFr - Mâ choiron titanSp - Bagre titan


Fishing gear : Caught with bottom trawls,

gillnets, bamboo-stake traps, with hand-lines, longlines and on hook and line

Habitat and biology : A marine species, often found in estuaries and

brackish water, but never entering freshwater. Feeds on crabs, prawnsand other crustaceans, but also on fishes and molluscs. Sexually ripe

specimens found in January and April. Mass spawning occurs in the lastweek of March and first week of April along the Baluchistan coast

Synonyms

- 1 9 -

BONY FISHES

ARIIDAE

juvenileadult


31/231

teeth on roof

of mouth

Arius arius Hamilton, 1822Threadfin sea catfishBagga, Singhara (Sin)

Bargai (Bal)size: to 20 cm

Arius crossocheilus Bleeker, 1846Roughback sea catfishBagga, Singhara (Sin)


BONY FISHES

Other species of Ariidae

- 20 -

Arius caelatus Valenciennes, 1840Engraved catfish

Bagga, Singhara (Sin)Shazada, Siah-gosh khaggi (Bal)

size: to 45 cm

Arius dussumieri Valenciennes, 1840Blacktip sea catfish

Bagga, Singhara (Sin)Gallo (Bal)

size: to 30 cm

ARIIDAE

dorsal view of head

of head

dorsal view of head

teeth on roof of mouth

dorsal view

teeth on roof

of mouth

dorsal view of head

teeth on roof

of mouth


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teeth on roof of mouth

dorsal view of head

of mouth

teeth on roof

teeth on roof

of mouth dorsal view of head

teeth on roof

of mouth

- 21-

Arius sagor (Hamilton, 1822)

Sagor catfishKhagga, Singhara (Sin)


Arius subrostratus Valenciennes, 1840Shovelnose sea catfishBagga, Singhara (Sin)

Kun (Bal)size: to 30 cm

BONY FISHES

Other species of Ariidae

Arius sona (Hamilton, 1822)Sona sea catfish

Khagga, Singhara (Sin)Torro gallo (Bal)size: to 90 cm

ARIIDAE

Arius sumatranus Bennett, 1830Goat catfish

Bagga, Singhara (Sin)Matar (Bal)

size: to 30 cm


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Batrachocephalus mino (Hamilton, 1822)

Synonyms : No n e

Loc. names : khagga (Sin); Chonaro (Bal)Beardless sea catfish (En)

FAO names : En - Beardless sea catfishFr - Mâ choiron i mberbeSp - Barge lampiño

Size : Max.: 25 cm; common from 8 to 10 cm

Fishing gear : Caught with bottom trawls, gillnets,bamboo-stake traps, hook and line and lobeline

Habitat and biology : A marine species, occurring inshallow coastal waters, estuaries and tidal rivers

Osteogeneiosus militaris (Linnaeus, 1758)

Synonyms : Osteogeneiosus sthenocephalus Day, 1877

Loc. names : khagga, Singhara (Sin); Kun (Bal)

FAO names : En - Soldier catfishFr - Mâ choiron soldat

Sp - Bagre soldado

Size : Max.: 35 cm; common from 20 to 26 cm

Fishing gear : Caught with seines, dipnets, bamboostake traps and on hook and line

Habitat and biology : A marine coastal species, occur-ring also in estuaries and river mouths, mostly in turbidwaters. Feeds on invertebrates and small fishes

Loc. names : Bam-khagga (Sin);

Robila (Bal)

FAO names : En - Eel catfishesFr - BalibotsSp - Patunas

Size : Max.: to over 40 cm

Fishing gear : Caught with bottom

seines, traps and on hook and lineHabitat and biology : Found in coastal waters, including reef areas, estuaries and tidal pools. Feed oncrustaceans, molluscs and fishes. The dorsal and pectoral spines are venomous and may inflict painful wounds.Gregarious in habits, the juveniles of P. limbatus form large aggregations

Interest to fisheries : Species of this family do not form the object of a special fishery and some fishermen dreadhandling them. The flesh is said to be delicate in taste

trawls,

- 22 -

BONY FISHES

ARIIDAE

P LOTOS IDAE


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Plotosus limbatus Valenciennes , 1840Darkfin eel catfish

size: to 41 cm

Chanos c han o s (Forsskål , 1775)

Synonyms None

Loc. names : Ghonshi (Sin); Murro, Murra (Bal)

FAO names : En - MilkfishFr - ChanosSp - Chano


Loc. names : Koniari (Sin); Bombala (Bal)

FAO names : En - LizardfishesFr - Anolis

Sp - Lagartos

Size : Max.: Some species may exceed 45 cm

- 2 3 -

BONY FISHES

Species of Plotosidae

*This species has been often misidentified as P. canius which maymaxillary barbels extend to the pectoral fin base

PLOTOSIDAE

Plotosus lineatus (Thunberg, 1787)Striped eel catfish

size: to 30 cm

also occur in the area. In P. canius the

CHANIDAE

Fishing gear : Caught with scoopnets, dragnets, setnets and traps

Habitat and biology : This is a coastal species, entering estuaries, fresh waters and lakes. The eggs are found atsea. The larval stages shift slowly toward the coast.areas of the Indo-Pacific region ( i .e. ., southern India and Sri Lanka, Indonesia, etc.). The distribution of the

The occurrence of fry seems to be restricted to specific

species seems to depend on the temperature and on predators. Feeds on bottom invertebrates. Muchexperimental data are available on this species but very little is known of its biology and life cycle in its naturalhabitat (see FAO Synopsis No. 4 (1960) for further information)

Interest to fisheries This species is very important in many countries of the Indo-Pacific region where it iscultured in ponds and tanks. In Pakistan it is occasionally caught and sold fresh

SYNODONTIDAE

Fishing gear : It is accidentally caught with bottom trawls

Habitat and biology : They are bottom-dwelling fishes, found around coral reefs and on open flats to about 500 m

depth. Most species are fish eaters and they usually wait motionless to seize the prey with a rapid motion

Interest to fisheries : There is no special fishery for any of the species of this family and there are no separatestatistics reported. If caught it is marketed fresh or used for fishmeal. The flesh is said to be of good qualityand flavour although quite bony. Saurida undosquamis and S. tumbil are the most widespread and abundant, aswell as the largest, members of the family


35/231

Synonyms

Saurida longimanus Norman, 1939Longfin lizardfish

size: to 25 cm

None

Saurida undosquamis (Richardson, 1848)Brushtooth lizardfish

size: to 45 cm or, more

PLATE I, 6

Synodus macrops Tanaka, 1917Triplecross lizardfish

size: to 18 cm

Harpadon nehereus (Hamilton-Buchanan, 1822)

Loc. names : Bombil (Sin); Bombala (Bal)Bombay duck (En)

FAO names : En - Bombay duckFr - BumaloSp - Bumalo

- 24 -

BONY FISHES

Species of Synodontidae

Size :


Fishing gear : Caught with bottom trawls

Habitat and biology : Inhabits coastal waters and estuaries

SYNODONTIDAE

Saurida tumbil (Bloch, 1795)Greater lizardfish

size: exceeds 40 cm

Synodus indicus (Day, 1873)Indian lizardfishsize: to 20 cm

Trachinocephalus myops (Forster, 1801)Bluntnose lizardfish

size: to 40 cm

HARPADONTIDAE

Interest to fisheries : This species is not as important in Pakistan as in India and no separate statistics are

reported from this country in the Handbook of Fisheries Statistics of Pakistan. It is usually marketed dried-salted



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L o c . name s :

Size :

Bregmaceros macclellandi Thompson, 1840

Synonyms None

FAO names :

En - Spotted codletFr - Varlet de l'Océan IndienSp - Bregmacero manchado


Fishing gear : Caught with bagnets and trawls

Habitat and biology : Over the continental shelf but possibly also oceanic, sometimes foundmainly on planktonic crustaceans

Interest to fisheries : No special fishery for this species which is only accidentally caught

Loc. names : Thuri (Sin); Jirri (Bal)

FAO names : En - FlyingfishesFr - ExocoetsSp - Voladores

Some species reach to 25 cm

Cheilopogon nigricans (Bennett, 1840)African flyingfish

size: to 24 cm

- 25 -

BONY FISHES

Species of Exocoetidae

BREGMACEROTIDAE

in estuaries. Feeds

EXOCOETIDAE

Fishing gear : No special fishing gear has been

developed for these particular fishes in Pakistan

Habitat and biology : Species of this family inhabit surface waters of open oceans. They are well known forleeping out of the water and gliding over a long distance with open pectoral and sometimes pelvic fins. Young (upto 10 cm) are quite different from adults, with different shape of fins and often with conspicuous barbels at chin

Interest to fisheries : An important fisheries for flying fishes has developed in India but they are not known of

being of commercial value in Pakistan where they are not yet exploited. The flesh is said to be of excellentquality

Exocoetus monocirrhus Richardson, 1846Barbel flyingfishsize: to 20 cm

Mac Lelland's Unicorn-codfish (En)


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FAO names : En - HalfbeaksFr - Demi-becsSp - Agujetas


Exocoetus volitans (Linnaeus, 1758)Tropical two-wing flyingfish

size: to 18 cm

Hirundichthys oxycephalus (Bleeker, 1852)Bony flyingfishsize: to 20 cm

Loc. names : Thute (Sin); Murrant (Bal)

Fishing gear : Caught with seines, pelagictrawls, and dipnets

Habitat and biology : Mainly marine, but some species are found in brackish as well as fresh waters. They areepipelagic, sometimes leaping out of the water and gliding on the surface by vibrating the lower lobe of caudalfin. They are omnivorous, feeding on floating sea grass, crustaceans and small fishes

Interest to fisheries : These species are not of great commercial value but they are regularly found in localmarkets. The flesh is said to be of excellent quality

- 26 -

BONY FISHES

Species of Exocoetidae EXOCOETIDAE

Hirundichthys coromandelensis ( Hornell, 1923)Coromandel flyingfish

size: to 19 cm

HEMIRAMPHIDAE


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Size :

Loc. names : Kango, Kungi (Sin);Aabre (Bal)

FAOnames :

En - NeedlefishesFr - AiguillettesSp - Agujones

Ablennes hians (Valenciennes, 1846)Flat needlefishsize: to 120 cm

BONY FISHES

Species of Hemiramphidae

Hemiramphus far (Forsskål, 1775)Blackbarred halfbeak

size: to 44 cm

PLATE II, 7

- 27 -

Hyporhamphus ( Hyporhamphus) limbatus (Valenciennes, 1846)Congaturi halfbeak

size: to 22 cm

May attain a very large size (to 200 cm)

Fishing gear : Caught with lines and by trolling

Habitat and biology : They occur in marine as well as brackish and fresh waters. They are pelagic and able toleap out of the water and skitter on the surface. They feed mainly on small fishes

Interest to fisheries : Most species are found frequently in markets. The flesh is said to be excellent but somepeople have misgivings about consuming this fish because of the green colour of the bones

Species of Belonidae

.

Strongylura leiura (Bleeker, 1850)Banded needlefish

size: to about 80 cm

Hyporhamphus (Reporhamphus) dussumieri (Valenciennes, 1846)

Dussumier's halfbeaksize: to 30 cm

HEMIRAMPHIDAE

BELONIDAE

Platybelone argalus platyura (Bennett, 1837)Keeltail needlefish

size: to 40 cm


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Strongylura strongylura (van Hasselt, 1823)Spottail needlefish

size: to 40 cmPLATEII , 8

Tylosurus crocodilus crocodilus (Peron & LeSueur, 1821)Hound needlefishsize: to 125 cm

Loc. names : Gilhari (Sin); Koh mitar (Bal)

FAO names : En - Squirrelfishes, soldierfishesFr - Marignans

Sp - Candiles

Size : Max.: to about 45 cm

Fishing gear : Probably taken in gillnets, trapsand on hook and line

Habitat and biology : Usually found in shallow waters and

coral reef areas or on rocky bottoms. Feed on invertebrates.The preopercular spine of Sargocentron is venomous

Interest to fisheries : Only occasionally caught in artisanal fisheries

Loc. names : Bangri (Sin); Moorat (Bal)

FAO names : En - Cornetfishes, FlutemouthsFr - CornettesSp - Cornetas

Size : Max.: 200 cm

Fishing gear : Occasionally caught in bottom

trawls and in artisanal fisheries

Habitat and biology : Two species occur: Fistulariapetimba generally occurs in deeper waters offshorewhile F. commersonii usually occurs in shallow inshorewaters, often associated with reefs. Feed on smallfishes and shrimps

Interest to fisheries : Only occasionally caught

- 28 -

BONY FISHES

Species of Belonidae

BELONIDAE

Tylosurus acus melanotus (Bleeker, 1850)Agujon needlefish

size: to 90 cm

HOLOCENTRIDAE

FISTULARIIDAE


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Loc. names Serin (Sin); Bheel-alari (Bal)

FAO names : En Scorpionfishes, Stingfihes, etc .Fr - RascassesSp - Rascacios


Fishing gear : Occasionally caught in bottom

trawls

Habitat and biology : Mostly found in inshore waters on rocky bottoms and coral reefs, but also occurring on sandyor muddy bottoms further offshore. Scorpionfishes have venomous spines and should be handled with extremecare. Wounds can cause intense pain, respiratory distress and, in some cases, death. Immerse wound in hot waterto relieve pain.

Interest to fisheries : The flesh is white and good eating but these fishes are not valued as food in Pakistan

Loc. names : Bheel-alari (Bal)Sea robin (En)

FAO names : En - GurnardsFr - GrondinsSp - Cabetes

Size : Max.: to about 16 cm

Fishing gear : Accidentally caught in bottom trawls

Habitat and biology : Bottom-living species, found between 50 and about 250 m depth, usually in deeper watersof their range. They occur on sandy and muddy substrates, rubble or reef-type bottoms, using the free rays of their pectoral fins to search for food.

Interest to fisheries : There is no special fishery and if caught they are used for fishmeal

(dorsal view)rostral process

Lepidotrigla bispinosa (Steindachner, 1898)Bullhorn gurnardsize: to 16 cm

(dorsal view)

rostral process

Lepidotrigla omanensis Regan, 1905Oman gurnard

size: to 12.5 cm

- 29 -

BONY FISHES

SCORPAENIDAE

TRIGLIDAE

Species of Triglidae

Lepidotrigla spiloptera Günther, 1880Spottedwing gurnard

size: to 10 cm

( d o r s a l v ie w )

r o s t r a l p r o c e s s


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P L A T Y C E P H A L I D A E

Loc. names : Khuker (Sin); Khuker (Bal)

FAO names : En - FlatheadsFr - PlatycéphalesSp - Chatos

Size : Max.: 100 cm

Fishing gear : Caught with bottom trawls

Habitat and biology : Bottom-living fishes, found on mudor sand, to about 75 m depth. Some species are asso-ciated with rocky shores and coral reefs

Interest to fisheries : These species are only accidentally

caught. Although quite frequent in the catches, they arenever in large quantities. Most species are good food-fishes

Cociella crocodila (Tilesius, 1812)Crocodile flathead

size: to 50 cm

Species of Platycephalidae

- 30 -

BONY FISHES

Platycephalus indicus (Linnaeus, 1758)Bartail flatheadsize: to 100 cm

Grammoplites suppositus (Troschel, 1840)Spotfin flatheadsize: to 25 cm

dorsal view

click for next page


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Lates calcarifer (Bloch, 1790)

Synonyms : None

Loc. names : Dangri (Sin); Dangri (Bal)Cock-up, Giant perch (En)

FAO names : En - BarramundiFr - BarramundiSp - Barramundi

Size : Max.: 200 cm; common between 25 and100 cm

Loc. names : Dhambo, Gisser (Sin);Nambo, Chanco, Klancho (Bal)

Size : May exceed 200 cm

Fishing gear : They are usually taken in traps,

on hook and line, on longlines and in bottom

trawls

Habitat and biology : These are mostly demersal fishes, ranging from shallow coastal waters to moderate depths,rarely beyond 200 m. Most occur in rocky or reef areas, but some species show preference for sandy or muddyareas or seagrass beds. They are mostly solitary species and they only form breeding aggregations. Juveniles areoften found in estuaries.They feed on fish and invertebrates (including crabs and spiny lobsters). Most are

hermaphrodites, beginning life as females and then becoming males, or are synchronous hermaphrodites

Interest to fisheries : Many are excellent foodfishes, fetching high prices in local markets and thus sought in

commercial fisheries. Usually marketed fresh for local consumption and exported to Arabian Gulf countries.

Also dry-salted for export to Sri Lanka. Catch of Epinephelus species reported in the Handbook of FisheriesStatistics of Pakistan (1973-83) range from410 t (1974) to 5 463 t (1982), with an average of 1 784 t. More than

30 species belonging to this family have been reported from Pakistan. Separate information will be given onlyfor the most important species. The remaining ones are only illustrated in plates

Epinephelns bleekeri (Vaillant, 1877)

Fishing gear : Caught with bottom trawls, hand-lines, bottom gillnets and traps; also in sport

fishing

Habitat and biology : Found in coastal waters,Feeds on fishes and crustaceans

FAO names : En - Groupers, seabasses, rockcods, etc.Fr - Vielles, mérous, serrans, etc.

Sp - Chernas, meros, serranos, etc.

- 3 1 -

estuaries and lagoons, usually at depths between

Interest to fisheries : Catches of this species reported in the Handbook of Fisheries Statistics of Pakistan (1973-83) range from 457 t (1980) to 3 018 t (1982), with an average of 936 t. Marketed fresh

10 and 40 m.

SERRANIDAE

PLATE II, 9

Synonyms : Epinephelus coromandelicus Day, 1878

Loc. names : Dhambo, Gisser (Sin); Golori (Jiwani area)Klancho (Bal)B l e e k e r ' s r e e f c o d ( E n )

FAO names : En - Duskytail grouperFr - Mérou demideuil

Sp - Mero medioluto

Size : Max.: 70 cm

Fishing gear : Caught with hook and line, gillnets and traps

Habitat and biology : On rocky bottoms and reef areas

C E N T R O P O M I D A E

B O N Y F I S H E S

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Epinephelus flavocaeruleus (Lacepède, 1802)

Synonyms : None

Loc. names : Dhambo, Gisser (Sin); Nambo, Lotari (Bal)

Blue and yellow reef cod (En)FAO names : En - Blue and yellow grouper

Fr - Mérou faraudSp - Mero azul y amarillo

Size : Max.: 90 cm

Fishing gear : Caught on hook and line, in trapsand gillnets

Habitat and biology : Occurs in coral reef areas and

rocky bottoms, from the shore to 160 m depth

Epinephelus fuscoguttatus (Forsskål, 1775) PLATE III, 13

Synonyms : Epinephelus horridus (Valenciennes, 1828)


FAO names : En - Brown-marbled grouperFr - Mérou marbréSp - Mero manchado

Size : Max.: 90 cm; 11 kg

Fishing gear : Caught with hook and line and

gillnets as well as in traps

Habitat and biology : Mainly in reef 30 m depth

FAO names : En - Banded grouperFr - Mérou à bandesSp - Mero abanderado

Size : Max.: 70 cm

Fishing gear : Caught with hook and line, in

traps, gillnets and trawls

Habitat and biology : Occurs between 20 and 200 m depth, juveniles over muddy or sandy bottoms, adults in rocky

areas

areas, to

BONY FISHES

at

- 33 -

on

least

Epinephelus latifasciatus (Temminck & Schlegel, 1842)

Synonyms : None


PLATE III, 14

SERRANIDAE

juvenile


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Epinephelus malabaricus (Schneider, 1801)

Synonyms

Loc. names

FAO names

Often misidentification as " Epinephelus tauvina (Forsskål, 1775)", which is a different species

Dhambo, Gisser (Sin); Nambo, Lotari (Bal)

En - Malabar grouperFr - Mérou malabareSp - Mero malabarico

Size : Max.: 100 cm (perhaps 200 cm)

Fishing gear : Caught on hook and line, in traps,

gillnets and trawls

Habitat and biology : Occurring in turbid waters,

i.e., estuarine areas, harbours, as well as in reef areas, to about 30 m depth. This is the most com-mon inshore species of grouper of the Western

Indian Ocean

Epinephelusmorrhua (Valenciennes, 1833)

Synonyms : Epinephelus cometae Tanaka, 1927

Loc. names : Dhambo, Gisser (Sin); Nambo, Lotari (Bal)Banded-cheek reefcod (En)

FAO names : En - Comet grouperFr - Mérou comèteSp - Mero cometa

Max.: 90 cm

Fishing gear : Caught with gillnets and in trawls

Habitat and biology : Found from about 100 to more than350 m depth

Epinephelus tauvina (Forsskål, 1775)

Synonyms : Epinephelus elongatus Schultz, 1953Epinephelus chewa Morgans, 1965

Loc. names : Dhambo, Gisser (Sin); Nambo, Lotari, Mait (large)(Bal)Greasy reefcod (En)

FAO names : En - Greasy grouperFr - Mérou loutreSp - Mero lutra

Size : Max.: 65 cm

Fishing gear : Caught with handlines and long-

lines (using shrimp bait), traps and gillnets. Mainfishery season is from November to April.

- 34 -

BONY FISHES

PLATE III, 15

PLATE III, 16

PLATE III, 17

Habitat and biology : Mainly found in coral reef areas from 1 to50 m depth. Feeds on bottom-living crustaceans, especiallyshrimp and small fishes. Sexually ripe specimens are found inDecember and March along the Baluchistan coast

SERRANIDAE

Size :


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Epinephelus tukula Morgans, 1959

Synonyms : None


FAO names : En - Potato grouperFr - Mérou patateSp - Mero patata

Size : Max.: 200 cm

Fishing gear : Caught mainly with hook and line

Habitat and biology : Occurs on rocky bottoms, from10 to 150 m depth

Epinephelus undulosus ( Quoy & Gaimard, 1824)

Synonyms : None

Loc. names : Dhambo, Gisser (Sin); Nambo, Lotinri (Bal)

FAO names : En - Midwater grouperFr - Mérou noduléSp - Mero ondulado

Size : Max.: 75 cm; 7 kg

Fishing gear : Caught with trawls and on hookand line

Promicrops lanceolatus (Bloch, 1790)

BONY FISHES

Habitat and biology : Over sandy banks, from 20 to 90 mdepth. Feeds on fishes, small crustaceans and tunicates

PLATE III, 18

Synonyms : None

Loc. names : Dhambo, Gisser (Sin); Nambo, Mait (large)(Bal)Grouper (En)

FAO names : En - Brindle grouperFr - Mérou lancéoléSp - Mero lanceolado

Size : Max.: 270 cm (over 400 kg)

Fishing gear : Caught with hook and line and spears

Habitat and biology :Common in harbours, estuaries

and around wrecks, from 5 to 100 m depth

SERRANIDAE

- 35 -

juvenile


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Loc. names : Ginghra (Sin); Adhi kuli, Kabloosh (Bal)

FAO names : En - Terapon-perches, teraponsFr - Violons

Sp - Baraongas

Max.: usually not exceeding 30 cm

Fishing gear : They are likely to be caught

with many types of inshore artisanal fishinggear, including: gillnets, traps, hook and

line, handlines and bottom trawls

Habitat and biology : Species of this family inhabitinshore waters and some are common in estuaries andin fresh water

Interest to fisheries : They are good foodfishes and they are rather

species, however, is important enough to support a special fishery

Pelates quadrilineatus (Bloch, 1790)

Synonyms : None

Loc. names : Ginghra (Sin); Adhi kuli (Bal)Trumpeter perch (En)

FAO names : En - Fourlined teraponFr - Violon crépusculeSp - Baraonga aurora

Size : Max.: 30 cm, common to 20 cm

Fishing gear : Caught with traps, gillnets, handlinesand in bottom trawls

Habitat and biology : Occurs in inshore waters, oftenin estuaries. Feeds on small fishes and invertebrates

Terapon jarbua (Forsskål, 1775)

Synonyms : Holocentrus servus Bloch, 1790

Loc. names : Ginghra (Sin); Adhi kuli, Kabloosh (Bal)Crescentperch (En)

FAO names : En - Jarbua teraponFr - Violon jarbuaSp - Baraonga jarbua

Size : Max.. 30 cm; common to 25 cm

Fishing gear : Caught with all types of inshore fish-ing gear, including gillnets, traps, handlines and

bottom trawls

PLATE IV, 19

- 36 -

BONY FISHES

Habitat and biology : Found in inshore waters, sometimesinvertebrates, also a scale-eater

common in the catches.

TERAPONIDAE

None of these

in estuaries and fresh waters. Feeds on fishes and

Size :


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Terapon puta ( Cuvier, 1829)

Habitat and biology : Found mainly in inshore waters, also in estuaries and in fresh waters. Feeds on fishes andinvertebrates

Terapon theraps (Cuvier, 1829)

Synonyms Eutherapon theraps: Whitley, 1943

Loc. names : Ginghra (Sin); Adhi kuli (Bal)Large-scaled banded grunt (En)

FAO names : En - Largescaled teraponFr - Violon tigre

Sp - Baraongatigre


Fishing gear : Caught with all types of inshore

fishing gear including gillnets, traps, handlinesand bottom trawls

Habitat and biology : Found in inshore areas, sometimes in brackish waters. Feeds on invertebrates and fish

Sillago sihama (Forsskål, 1775)

Synonyms None

PLATE IV, 20

Synonyms : Authistes puts Whitley, 1943

Loc. names : Ginghra (Sin); Gwarak (large), Kabloosh (Bal)

Small-scaled banded grunt (En)

FAO names : En - Smallscaled teraponFr - Violon grogneurSp - Baraonga ronco


Fishing gear : Caught with all types of inshore fish-

ing gear, including gillnets, traps, handlines and inbottom trawls

Loc. names : Bhambor (Sin); Hashoor (Bal)Silver whiting (En)

FAO names : En - Silver sillagoFr - Pêche- madame ardent

Sp - Silag o plateado


Fishing gear : Caught with beach seines and handlines

Habitat and biology : Inhabits shallow sandy bottoms of shores and bays; also in creeks and estuaries.

small invertebrates

Interest to fisheries : The main fishery for this species takes place in June-July (Undo ) together with mullet andprawns. It is said to be caught in creeks in very large numbers when the sea is rough and the fishermen do notgo far from shore. The flesh is said to be tasty. The catches reported in the Handbook of Fisheries Statistics of Pakistan (1973-83) range from 102 t (1980) to 859 t (1982) with an average of 404 t

PLATE I

peces, cefalópodos y decápodos comerciales marinos y salobres de pakistán

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