Objectives: The main objective of the study was to collect and rear unmarketable, small sized S.javus which is mostly rejected by traditional fisherman. During fishing activities, under ranging in sizes from 25 40 kg (< 30-40 % total catch/day) being captured. Due very low marketable value these fishes (<250 g) get rejected. Therefore, we utilized this as an economically viable option for...

The present study examined pair formation, spatial pattern of home range and spatial variation in density, size and social status of blotched foxface Siganus unimaculatus (family Siganidae) on an Okinawan coral reef. Of 32 pairs sampled for sexing, 31 (96.9%) were heterosexual and showed size-assortative pairing. Developed ovaries were found in April and July, whereas oocytes were immature in A...

Coral reef fishes are exploited without the knowledge of their sustainability and their possible effect in altering the community structure of a coral reef ecosystem. Alteration of the community structure could cause a decline in the health of coral reefs and its services. We documented the coral community structure, status of live corals and reef fish assemblages in Palk Bay at the reef fishin...

Fear of predators (‘fear effects’) is an important determinant foraging decisions by consumers across a range ecosystems. Group size one the main behavioural mechanisms for mitigating fear effects while also providing benefits to group members. Within coral reef ecosystems, have been shown influence feeding rates herbivorous fishes, key functional that prevents macroalgal overgrowth. Yet, how a...