First Record of a Rare Species Atlantic Triple Tail, Lobotes Surinamensis (Bloch, 1790) From the Northwest Coast of India

Abstract

Abstract During our taxonomical research on rare fish species along the Northwest Coast of India, we documented the presence of Lobotes surinamensis, (Atlantic triple tail) species at two different locations along the Gujarat coast. One specimen was caught by Wada fishing in the Gulf of Kutch, the northwest coast, and another from Gholvu net from the southwest coast of Gujarat. While commercial fisheries have received significant focus, there has been a lack of studies conducted in the artisanal fisheries sector. In this study, we applied the classical taxonomical method for species identification. For the identification of specimens, we recorded morphometric parameters and meristic characters. The comparison was done with past records, upon close examination of all characteristics. Its presence has been reported from various parts of the globe and the east coast of India. This study confirms the first report of L. surinamensis on the northwest coast of India.