A Preliminary Account on the Distribution of Decapod Larvae in the Konkan Waters

Abstract

Decapod larval distribution in Konkan coastal waters was studied during the premonsoon season (March-April). Sergestid was the largest group forming 80.55% of the total decapod crustacean larvae. Penaeid larvae constituted only 0.65% and M. dobsoni was the most common species. It was observed that Ratnagiri area (Maharashtra, India) was rich in decapod larvae (40.97%) followed by Rajapur (26.48%). Penaeid larvae were totally absent between Kalbadevi and Pavas during the period of study. Distribution of different groups of decapod larvae in different regions of Konkan coast and species-wise distribution of penaeids and sergestids are given