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Biological Studies of the Pearl Spot Etroplus suratensis (Pisces, Cichlidae) from three Different Habitats in Sri Lanka
Author(s) -
Costa H. H.
Publication year - 1983
Publication title -
internationale revue der gesamten hydrobiologie und hydrographie
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.524
H-Index - 52
eISSN - 1522-2632
pISSN - 0020-9309
DOI - 10.1002/iroh.19830680408
Subject(s) - biology , cichlid , gonadosomatic index , fecundity , sri lanka , brackish water , habitat , detritus , zoology , ecology , fish <actinopterygii> , fishery , population , geography , demography , tanzania , salinity , environmental planning , sociology
The morphometry, feeding habits and reproductive biology of Etroplus suratensis , an indigenous cichlid food fish, were studied for a period of one year on specimens from three different habitats in Sri Lanka. The morphometric studies implied that the length weight relationships are curvilinear. Macrophytic fragments formed the most important component of food, although detritus, diatoms, and animal matter are also ingested. First sexual maturity is attained in the length ranges 8.0‐9.0 cm in females from brackish water habitats. Fecundity ranged from 700‐3900 eggs in mature specimens. The wide range of the gonadosomatic index suggests that spawning occurs several times during the year.