Abstract

Preliminary investigation on the culture of Siganus canalicullatus in floating cages in Mandapam coastal water has revealed that the fish has high culture potential in the region. It is euryhaline, inhabiting areas where salinities range from 23’/,, to 35.8O/,, ,. The fish grows faster on pelletted diets than on ordinary seaweeds. It is estimated that the fish would reach a marketable size of 20 cm fork length in 6 months; hence two crops can be harvested in a year. This would be a good source of income to fisher folk in Mandapam area.

Key words: Siganus canalicullatus, Mandapam coast, cage culture, fisher folk.