Fishery and biological traits of obtuse barracuda Sphyraena obtusata (Cuvier, 1829) off south-west coast of India

Aim: The present study was conducted to investigate the fishery, diet composition and reproductive aspects of obtuse barracuda landed in Karnataka, south-west coast India. Methodology: Feeding traits 1229 samples (638 males 591 females) S. obtusata studied for a period five years. index relative importance (IRI) determined each component stomach. Reproductive such as maturity stages, gonadosomatic fecundity were investigated. Results: most predominant prey item terms frequency occurrence (93.1%), number (91.4%), weight (93.2%), IRI (3615.5) also % (98.5%) fishes. Crustaceans cephalopods noticed less frequently represented by shrimps Loligo sp. estimated length at first male female fishes 20.5 21.3 cm, respectively. Higher GSI values observed during post monsoon (October-November) followed summer pre (April-May) season both females, indicating two peak spawning periods. Interpretation: comprehensive on major biological characteristics Sphyraena could be useful developing appropriate management strategies conservation judicious exploitation this commercially important resource. Key words: Barracuda, Fecundity, Gonadosomatic index,