(Bloch)
1. Distinctive characteristics of early developmental stages
(a) Eggs and larvae/alevins
No information from the mangroves.
(b) Early juveniles and juveniles
Etroplus maculatus 1
In the early juveniles of E. maculatus , only one blotch is present on the upper half of the body below the spinous dorsal fin, which is almost equivalent to the eye diameter (in adults three blotches are present – of which the middle one is the largest – all arranged along the lateral line). Rows of golden spots are not yet formed (in adults up to 17 rows of golden spots are present horizontally).
2. Salient biological characteristics
It grows to a maximum size of 80 mm in total length. The gut contents of this species collected from mangrove waters (upper reaches) showed the presence of algal weeds, pennate diatoms, detritus and polychaetes.
3. Salient ecological information
It is a fresh water fish extending its distribution up to mixo-mesohaline conditions. It is reported to propagate both in fresh and salt water by virtue of its extreme adaptability. It occurs frequently in the upper reaches of brackish waters including the mangroves.
4. Capture fisheries and utilization
Usually caught by hand lines in fresh water ponds, it is a small-scale sport fish suitable for tourist resorts. Early juveniles occur in considerable quantities from the upper reaches of the mangroves, especially during the monsoon season in drag-net catches. Although it is small, it has a good taste and flavour.
5. Culture fisheries
A renowned species small in size for ornamental fish culture, both in fresh and brackish waters.