DISTRIBUTION OF PENAEID LARVAE IN THE COASTAL WATERS OF PAKISTAN Thesis submitted to the University of Karachi in fulfilment of the requiretents for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Marine Biology. ‘BY Habib-ul-Hasean B.Se., MSe. CENTRE OP EXCELLENCE IN MARINE BLOLOGY UNIVERSITY OF KARACHI KARACHI PAKISTAN : 1983This thesis by Mr, Habib-ul-Hassan is accepted in the present form by the Centre of Excellence in Marine Biology, University of Karachi, as satisfying the requirements for the Degree of Locter of Philosophy in Marine Biology. Internal Bxaminer (Thesis Supervisor) _— External Sxamizer Director, Centre of Excellence in Marine Biology. PREPUBLICATION Copy’ Nov To BE CITED AND NoT To BE RepRogucen. eds,ABSTRACT The material for three years study of distribution and abundance of penaeid eggs, larvae and postlarvae in Manora Channel and Korangi Creek was obtained through regular sampling (three to four times in a month) in the two areas. In Manora Channel 399 eggs and 5639 larvae were caught in 74 positive hauls and in Korangi Creek 1839 eggs and 5496 larvae were caught in 235 positive hauls, The larvae were identified to genus level. Parapenae- opsis larvae were the most abundant while Metapenaeus and Penaeus latvae were second and third in abundance. Post- larvae of Parapenueopsts were totally absent from the samples. The larvae belonging to other than the above metioned three commercial genera were scarce. In the two inlets the eggs appeared in significant numbers only during January to March, while larvae were abundant in the summer months. The distribution and abundance of penaeid eggs, larvae and postlarvae were studied in the coastal waters of Pakistan through samples collected during R/V, Dr.Fridt- jof Nansen cruises (January to June, 1977). A total of 3761 penaeid eggs and 1072 penseid larvae were taken in 87 positive surface hauls. 1146 penaeid eggs and 161 penaeid larvae were caught in 31 positive oblique hauls. The most productive area in respect of penaeid eggs, larvae and post~ larvae was located inbetween Ormara and Indus Delta, Penaeid eggs were most abundant in the coastal waters of Pakistan in January-February and gradually decreased in numbex towards June. They were more abundant in the off- shore than in the inshore waters. The larvae were found distributed more closely to the coast. The larvae were identified to genus level. Perapenaeopsis larvae dominatedin sbundance, while Netapenaews and Penaeus larvae were seccnd and third in abundance. The postlarvae of Parajenaeops belenging to genera other than mentioned above were 2g were absent from the samples. The larvae searce. The distribution and abundance of penaeid juveniles were studied in Korangi Creek, Bhambore, Sandspit and Hab Delta for one year, through monthly sampling with a specially designed beam trawl. Size frequency distri- bution and abundance of juveniles of M. atebbingi, W. affinis, M. ronoceros and Penaeus spp. are given. Growth rates of P. semieuleatus and above mentioned species are included. Paraperaeopsis juveniles were found absent from the samples. ‘the hydrography of the areas mentioned above is included. Abundance of eggs, larvae, postlarvae and juveniles in relation to hydrographic conditions, spawning seasons and spawning grounds, recruitment of postlarvae and juveniles in the creeks and backwaters and appearence of subadults and adult shrimps in the commercial fishing grounds is discussed.AGNOWEEDGEMENT The author expresses his deep sense of gratitude to Dr. Muzammil Ahmed, Professor in the Institute of Marine Biology, for suggesting the problem,valuable guidance and encouragements throughout the period of this investigation. I wish to express my sincere thanks to Dr, N.M. Tirwizi Be. M, Ahmed and Dr. S.M, Haq, Directors of the Institute of Marine Biology who provided me facilities at the Institute to continu2 my thesis research. I am grateful to the librarians of the Institute of Marine Researc::, Bergin and PaN&JOC, Karachi, for arranging many valuable reprints. I am indebted to Dr, 0. Dragesund, Dr. J. Geosaeter and Mr. 0. Nakken for their help. My thanks are due to Mr. S.U, Siddique and Mr. M.P. Ahmed, Directors of the Zoological Survey, Karachi, to Dr. J. Ali Khan, Dr. S.A. Siddique, Mr. N. Rizvi, mr. Mateen Ahmad and Mr, S, Ahmed, Mr. S. Barkatd and Mr. S.T. Ghani, In the last I want to express my sincere gratitude to ny wife and parents who always helped and encouraged me during the preparation of this thesis inspite of their serious illness,Ta menony of my Late mother 2aheda Mahboob who atways wished progress in my studies.DISTRIBUTION OF PANABID LARVAE IN THE COASTAL WATERS OF PAKISTAN TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OP TABLES BIST_OF PIGURES GENERAL INTRODUCTION REVIE9 OF EARLIER WORK MATERIAL AND METHODS 5.1, Sampling for penseid eggs, larvae and pustlarvae 5.2. Sampling of penaeid eggs, Jarvae and postlarvae from the northern Arabian Sea off the coast of 5.3, 5.4, Identification of eges, larvae, postlarvae and in Manora Channel and Korangi Creek Pakistan Sampling for juveniles of penaeids in the backwaters and creeke around Karachi juveniles of penaeids of Pakistani waters Az STUDY AREY, 6.1. 6.2. 6.3. 6.4, 6.5. 6.6, Manora Channel Korangi Greek Bhambore Sandspit Hab Delta Open coast Page No. iv vi 13 13 14 15 AT 23 23 24 25 5 26 267. HYDROGRAPHIC CONDITIONS IN THE STUDY AREA 6. oe Tele 7.2, Tobe Ted Surrents Temperature Salinity Dissolved oxygen CHAPTER I DISTRIBUTION AND ABUNDANCE OF PENAEJD EGGS, LARVAE AND POS'TLARVAE IN MANORA CHANNEL AND KORANGI CREEK 8.1. 8.2. | 2868, larvae and _postlar~<: DISTRIBUTION AND ABUNDANCE OF PENAEID EGGS, LARVAE AND INTRODUCTION General abundance of penaeid eggs and larvae in Manora Channel and Korangi Creek Relative distributicn and abundance of penaeid 2 Manara_Ghann-i and Kerang Greek Genus-wise distribution of eggs, larvae and Postlervae of the three genera: Penaeus, Metapenaeus and Parapenaeopsis DISCUSSION ‘SUMMARY CHAPTER II POSTLARVAE IN THE COASTAL WATERS OF PAKISTAN INTRODUCTION Generel] abundance of penaeid eggs, larvae and postlarvae (surface havls) 27 28 3A 37 78 79 80 85 97 106 417 154 15210. 9.3. Relat:ve abundance of the larvae and postlarvae of the three genera Penaeus, Metapenaeus and Parapenaeopsis (surface hauls) 9.4. Area-wise distribution of eggs and larvae, 9.5. Distr: bution and abundance of penaeid oggs, larvae and postlarvae (oblique hauls: 9.6, DISCUSSION 9.7. SUMMARY CHAPTER III DISTRIBUTION AND ABUNDANCE OF THE JUVENILES OF PENAEID SHRIMPS IN THE WATSRS AROUND KARACHI 10.4, INTRODUCTION 10.2, vXOWTH RTE ~ 10.3. MBTAPENAEUS STERBINGI NOBILI 10.3.1. Discussion 10.4, MBTAPENAEUS APFINIS (MILNE EDWARDS) 10.41, Discussions 10.5. METAPENAEUS MONOCEROS (FABRICIUS) 10.5.1, Discussion Recruitment of Metapenaeus shrimps: 10.6, PENAEUS SPP, 10.6.1.Relative abundance 10.6.2.Discussion. Recruitment of Penaeus shrimps: 157 161 164 167 173 194 195 196 197 202 205 207 ant 213 216 219 222 222 227sive Brfacts of temperature and salinity on the abundance of juveniles: 40.7. SUMMARY 41. GBNERAL DISCUSSION 42, BEBLICGRAFHY 228 255 207Table No. 1. 3. Ts 1, LIST OF TABLES Number of trawlers and shrimp landings in Pakistani waters during the period 1970-78 Mean sizes and standard deviations of different larval stages of Penaeus obtained from natural plankton and the mean size and standard deviation of different larval stages of Penaeus senisulcatus reared in the laboratory Mean sizes and standard deviations of different larval stages of Metapenaeus obtained from natural plankton and mean size and standard deviations of different larval stages of M. affinie reared in the laboratory Mean sizes and standard deviation of different larval stages of Parapenaeopsig obtained from natural plankton and the mean size of different larval stages of P. stylifera reared in the laboratory Number of zooplankton hauls and penaeid eggs and larvae collected from three stations in Manora channel Number of zooplankton hauls and penae‘d eggs and larvae collected from three stations in Korangi Creek Measurements of penaeid eggs made in the present study Page No. 39 424 123 124 125 1268, Measurements of penaeid eggs given by other authors 127 9, Number of zooplankton hauls and peraeid eggs and larvae collected during the cruises of R/V Dr. Fridt{Of Nansen" in the coastal waters cf Pakistan 175 10. Size range of the juveniles of M. stebbingi at the four localities in different months 234 41, Size range of the juveniles of M. affinis at the four localities in different months 235 12. Siz» range of the juveniles of M. monoceros at the four localities in different months 236 13. Size range of the juveniles of Penaeus spp. at the Sour localities in different months 237 PRE PUBLICATION Copy- sor Te & BE CITED AND Nor To BE REPRODUCE2, List oF PIcURES Figure No. 1 Te 8a. 8b. Map showing stations 1, 2 and 3 in Manora Channel and Korangi Creek for plankton sampling Map showing stations 1, 2 and 3 in Manora Channel Map showing the location of different stations in Korangi Creek Map of the coast of Pakistan Map showing grid system on which plankton sampling was conducted in the coastal vaters «f “akistan by the Norwegian R/V "Dr, Fridtjof Nansen" Tiagramatic sketch of the beam trawl used for sampling juvenile shrimps in the present study Temperature (°C) variations in different months during the period 1968-1971 in Manora Channel and Korangi Creek Temperature variations (°C) in the coastal waters of Pakistan from 19 January to 9 February, 1977, at 10 M depth. Temperature variations (°q ) in the ceastal waters of Pakistan from 13, February to 6 March, 1977, at 40 M depth Page No. a“ 43 43 47 49 51 53 55 559a. Od. 10. WW 12. 13. laa. 14d. 15a. = vilt = Tenperature variations (°C) in the coastal waters cf Pakistan from 8, March to 8 April, 1977, at 10 M depth Temperature variations (°C) in the coastal waters of Pakistan from 13, April to 15 May, 1977, at 10 M depth Temperature variations (°C) in the coastal waters of Pakistan from 18, May to 20 June, 1977, at 10 M depth Monthly variationg in temperature (°C) during the period 1979-80 at the four sites from where juvenile shrimps were collected Salinity (¥0) variations in different months during the period 1968-71 in Manora Channel and Korangi Cr vk. Distribution of salinity (%o) in tne coastal waters of Pakistan from 19 January to 9 February, 1977, at 10 M depth Distritution of salinity (%o) in the coastal waters of Pakistan from 13 February to 6 March, 1977, at 10 M depth Distribution of salinity (%0) in the coastal waters of Pakistan from 8, March to 8 April, 1977, at 10 M depth Distribution of salinity (%0) in the coastal waters of Fakistan from 13 April to 15, May 1977, at 10 M depth 57 57 59 61 63 65 6 67 6915d. 16. ‘Ta. 17d, 18a. dab. 19. 20. 21. Distribution of salinity (%0) in the coastal waters of Pakistan from 18 May to 28 June, 1977, at 10 M depth Monthly variations in salinity (%o) during the period 1979-80 at the four sites from where juvenile shrimps were collected j Dissolved oxygen (DO ml/1) in the coastal waters of Fakistan at 10 M depth from 19 January to 9 February, 1977 Dissolved oxygen (m1/1) in the coastal waters of Pakistan at 10 M depth from 13 February tc 6 March, 1977 Dissclved oxygen (ul/1) in the coastal weters of Pakistan at 10 M depth from & March +o ® April, 1977 Dissolved oxygen (m1/1) in the coastal waters of Pakistan at 10 M depth from 13 April to 15 May,1977 Dissolved oxygen (m1/1) in the coastal waters of Pakistan at 10 M depth from 18 May to 20 June, 1977 Abundance of eggs of the three genera Penaeus, Metapenaeus and Parapenaeopsis in Manora Charnel and Korangi Creek Abundance of nauplii of the three genera Penaeus, Mgtapenzeus and Parapenaeopsis in Manora Channel and Kerangi Creek 69 val 73 3 15 ab 1 129 13122. 23. 24, 25. 26. 27 28. 29. 30. 30a. Abundance of protozveae I, II and III of the three genera Penaeus, Netapenaes and Parapenacopsis in Manora Channel 133 Abundance of protozoea, I, II and IIt of the three genera Penaeus, Metapenaeus and Parapenaeopsis in \ Korangi Ureek 135 Abundance of myses of the three gensra Penaeus, Metapengeus and Parapenagopsis in Manora Channel 137 Abundance of myses of the three genera Penaeus, Metapenaeus and Parapenaeopsis in Korangi Creek 139 Abundance of postlarvae of the two genera Penaeus and Metapenaeus in Manora Channel and Kerangi Greek 441 Percentage composition of different larval stages of the three genera Penaeus, Metavenaeus and Parapenaeopsis in Manora Channel 143 Percentage composition of different larval stages of the three genera Penaeug, Metapenaeus and Parapenaeopsis in Korangi Creek 445 Comparative percentage of different larval stages of the three genera Penaeus, Metapenaeus and Parapenaeopsis 147 Percentages of penaeid larvae caught in each month during tne present study in Manora Channel and Korangi 149 Summary of the ¢ata on abundance of penaeid eggs, larvae and postlarvae in Manora channel and Korangi Greek during 1968-1971 15031. 32. 33. 34. B56 36. 37. 38. axis Percentage ccmposition of different larval stages of the three genera Penaeus, Metapengeus and Parapenaeop- sis in the coastal waters of Pakistan during January to June, 1977 Percentage of each larval stage of the three genera gus, Metapenaeus and Paravenaeopsis during | Pen: January to June, 1977 Percentage composition of the larvae of different genera ccllected during the cruises of R/V "Dr. Fridtjof Nansen" from January to June, 1977 Abundance and distribution of penaeid eggs (surface hauls) during January to June 1977 Abundance and distribution of the larvae cf the three genera Penaeus, Metapenaeus and Parayenaeopsiv (combined) during January to June, 1977 (survace hauls), in the coastal waters of Pakistan General distribution of larvae of the three genera Penaeus, Metapenaeug and Parapenaeopsis in the coastal waters of Pakistan during January to June, 1977 Goneral distribution of protozceae, myses and postlarvae of the three genera Penaeus, Metavenaeus and Parapenaeopsis during January to June, 1977, in the coastal waters of Pakistan Abundance and distribution of penaeid eggs during January to June, 1977, in the coastal waters of Pakistan (oblique hauls) 177 479 181 183 185 187 189 43439. 40, an, 42, 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. = xii = Abundance and distribution of the larvae of the three genera Penaeus, Metapenaeus and Parapenaeovsis during January to June, 1977, in the coastal waters of Pakistan (oblique havis) Growth of PB, semisulcatus, M. stedbingi, M. affinis and M, monoceros reared under laboratory conditions Abundance of M, stebbingi juveniles in different months of the year (February, 1979 to January, 1980) Size frequencies of the juveniles of M. stebbingi in different months of the year (Yebruary, 1979 to January, 1980) Aoundance of M, affinis and M. monocerog juveniles in different months of the year (February, 1979 to January, 1980) Size frequencies of the juveniles of M. affinis in different months of the year (February, 1979 to January, 1980) Size frequencies of the juveniles of M. monoceros in d:fferent months of the year (February, 1979 to January, 1980) Abuncance of Penaeus juveniles in different months of the year (February, 1979 to January, 1980) Size frequencies of the juveniles of Penaeus in different months of the year (February, 1979 to January, 1980) 193 239 241 247 245 247 249 251 2533. GENERAL INTRODUCTION Penaeid shrimps play an important role in the national economy of Pakistan zarning about 75% of the total foreign exchange in the fisheries sector. From the commercial stand-| point they are, therefore, the most important fisheries resource of this country. The annual shrimp catch from Pakistani waters amounts to about 25,000 metric tons, but this seems to have declined in the recent years (Anonymous, 1978), Because of their great economic importance in the country fishing pressure on penaeid shrimps seems to have increased considerably, ‘This is reflected in an increase in the number of shrimp trawlers from 447 to 1270 during the period 1970 to 1978 (Table 1). The eatch hay,however, remained the same or usclineu to some ¢..tent. Much of this fishing for shrimps has no scientific basis what- soever and the stocks may be suffering from overexploitation. There also occurs an indiscriminate fishing of the juveniles of these shrimps in the salt water creeks, lagoons and back- waters of the country. The northern Arabian Sea waters off the coast of Pakistan seem to be fairly rich in the number of penaeid shrimp species. Tirmizi and Bashir (1973) have shown the presence of twenty species cf penaeid shrimps in the inshore and offshore waters of Pakistan, These belong to the three commercially exploited genera Penaeus, Metapenaeus and Pavapengeopsis and three non-commercial ones, namely, Solenocera, Metapenaeopsis andParapenaeus. The presence of two more species of Solenccera has recently been indicated by Tirmizi (1980), and one more, in addition to those identified ty Tirwizi and Bashir (1973), was found by Hussain (1973). Earlier Gololobov et al (1969) had recorded eighteen species of penaeids from Pakistani waters. These belonged to six genera, one of which, Trachypenaeus, was not included in the collection of Tirmizi and Bashir (1973). The mmber of penaeid species reported by these authurs containe: seven species of shrimps which are not included in the account of peraeids given by Tirmizi and Bashir (1973). It thus seems that about twentyseven species belonging to seven penaeid genera have been recorded so far from Pakistan, Earlier Ahmed (1957) repented several spzc‘es of perceié shrimps (Penaeus cangliculatue, P. semisulcatus, P. indicus, M. monoceros, Metapenaeus lysianassa, M. brevicornie, P. stlifera, P. scul- Ptilis, Parapenaeopsis uncta and Solenocera indicus) from East Pakistan (now Bangla Desh) and mentioned the distribution of most of the above species in West Pakistan. Out of the twentyseven or so species of penaeids which have been recorded so far from the coast of Pakistan only a dozen are abundant enough to be of coumercial importance. Accor- ding to Zupanovic (1971), Penaeus merguiensis and Penaeus enicilletus are the most important species, Metapenaeus mongceros, Metapenacus affinis and Parapenacopsis stylifera are quite abundant, Metapenaeus stebbingi and Metapenaeus brevicornis are fairly abundant, Penagus semisulcatus andParapenacopsis sculptilis are common in winter, whereas Penaeus monodon and Penaeus japonicus are rare, Outside the 12-mile zone, according to Gololobov et al (1969), M. monoceros was found to be the most abundant species and some of the penaeid species which Zupanovic (1971) considered to be rare or fairly abundant were found to be relatively more common (Ahmed, 1977). Despite their great economic importance very little work has been done on penaeid shrimps in Pakistan, It seems that a majority of the penaeid shrimp species of Pakistan have already been identified (Ahmed, 1957; Tirmizi and Bashir, 1973; TMirmizi, 1980; Gololobov et al, 1969; Hussain, 1973), Some preliminary observations on the distritution, abundance and biology ef local ponaeide were made by Zupanovic (1971)-an FAO consultant to the Marine Fisheries Departnent, Karachi, This work has certain limitations: it was done in inshore waters and is limited to certain months of the year, Zxploratory fishing surveys, including those for penaeid shrimpe, were also conducted by the Russian Expedition AZCHER NIRO outside the 1z-mile zone in Takistani waters (Gololobov et al, 1969), this survey lasted one fuil year but data on the distribution of shrimps and other marine organisms could not be collected for ali the twelve months of a year, probably due to roughness of the monsoon seasons, Other studies of penaeid shrimps include those of Karim and Rehman (1975) who studied the maturity of ‘he gonads of 2. stylifera in monthly samples obtained from shrimp landings and a study of the length frequencies of P. merguiensis byHussain (1974). Ahmed (1977) determined the species composi- ticn of the "Kiddi" group of penaeid shrimps obtained from fish landings. The names "Jaira", “Kalri", and "Kiddi" are local designations of penaeid shrimps used by Pakistani fishermen (Ahmed, 1977). Some work has been done in Pakistan on the morphology of penaeid larvae obtained from the plankton or reared in the laboratory with a view to develop keys. to identify the larvae of different genera and species of local penaeids. ‘he present author has been involved in these studies for more than ten years and has published several papers based on his studies. These deal with the identifications of the postlarvae of P. sculptilie, P, stylifera and Parapenaeopsis hardwickii (1973), larvae and postlarvae of the genera Penaeus, Metapenaeus end Parapenaeopsis (Heq and Hassan, 1975), and postlarvae of M. stebbingi, M, affinig and M..brevicornis (Hassan and Haq, 1975). Hassan (1974) had also prepared a generic key for the identification of the larvae, including nauplii, of the genera Penaeus, Metapenaeus and Parapenaeopsis ani has more recently (Hassan, 1980, 1982) given an account of the life histories of the penaeids M.-affinis from Pakistani woters and of P, semi- sulcatus from the Persian Gulf (Kuwait). Ahmed (1980) has recently discussed critically the existing information on the biology of penaeid shrimps of Pakistan and has prepared a diagrammatic scheme of theirspawning seasons and migrations, The information available to kim was so fragmentary that he could draw only tentative conclusions about the breeding seasons of these shrimps and the abundance of their larvae. Being aware of the economic importance of penaeid shrimps in the fisheries sector and realizing the dearth of infornation on different aspects of their biology the present author has been studying the morphology, biology and distribution of larval penaeid shrimps of Pakistani waters for over a decade, Pakistan is now on the threshold of entering the field of shrimp culture and much information is needed on the distribution and abun- dance of adults as well as the larvae, postlarvae and juveniles of local penaeids. This information would be useful for the laboratory culture (from egg to adults) of local perseids folloving in the footsteps of Hudinaga (1942) or of shrimp culture from postlarvae, in man-made coastal impoundments, It goes without saying that the present study would provide an understanding of the breeding seasons of local penaeid species for some of which the waters of Pakistan constitute their northern limits of occurrence. The value in the management of shrimp fisheries of Pakistan is also obvious. However, the task of studying the distribution and abundance of larvae, postlarvae and Juveniles of penaeid shrimps is a hard one in view of identification problems, particularly when as many as twentyseven species may occur inthe study area, some of which are extremely colsely related. Even today the ident‘fication of planktonic stages of penaeid shrimps into species remains a great problem for shrimp workers (Temple and Fisher, 1967). Although Cook (1966) has been able to rear to adulthood the planktonic stages of the brown shrimp Penaeus aztecus, white shrimp Feneaeus setiferus and pink shrimp Penaeus duorarum of the Gulf of Mexico, delineation of the larvae into species has not becone possible yet. Consequently the larvae are only identified to generic level using the keys developed by Cook (1966). ‘The literature shows that the only studies in which the distribution and abundance of planktonic penaeid larvae has so far been examined are those of Eldred at (1665), Munro et al (1968) and Jores et al (1970) who determined the abundance of the larvae of the pink shrimp BP. duorarum from the Gulf cf Mexico (Florida). It was pointed out by Eldred (1959) that P. duorarum is the only member of the genus Penaeus found in the Florida waters ana that the larvae belonged exclusively to this species. The present study, dealing with the distribution and abundance of penaeid eggs, larvae, postlarvae and juveniles is the first of its kind in Pakistan and as far as the eggs and larvae are concerned, follows those made’by’ Eldred et al (1965), Munro et al (1968) and Jones et al (1970) from the Gulf of Mexico.4. REVIEW OF EARLIER WORK A. Studies of larval morphology and‘life history. Most penaeids in general live at depths of 50 to 100 meters on the continental shelf on muddy-cum-sandy bottoms. They usually move in schools and spawn near the tottom of the sea. Their eggs are set free in offshore waters where ferti- lization and hatching also occur; nauplius is the hatching stage. It moults sucessively into protozoeal, mysis and post- larva: stages. Penaeid larvae, from nauplius to mycis, are planksonic in nature and drift towards the coast along with tidal currents. At the post-larval stages they start settling down to the bottom. By this time they have drifted into inshcre channels, creeks and backwatezs where they feed and grow into late postlarvae and juveniles, At the onset of sexual maturity they return to the open sea for spawning, Penaeid larvae are very delicate and fall prey to different groups of animals. ‘Their survival rate in nature, as calculated by Munro et al (1968) for Penaeus duorarum, 1s less than 0.05 % from protozoea I to the six-spine postlarval stage which averages 35 days.in age. The above stated principles of the biology of penaeid shrimps have been learnt through numerous studies which have been conducted in different parts of the world. ‘the most significant of these are discussed below in chronological order. Much of the emphasis in these studies is placed on morphological descriptions of larval fornus.Muller (1863) and Claus (1876) were probably the first workers who described the general course of metamorphosis in penzeid shrimps from the nauplius to the mysis stage. Brook (1882) was the first to trace the couglete larval series of the genus Penaeus. It was Kishinouye (1900) who actually observed under a microscope the hatching of the penaeid nauplius, while Monticelli and Lo Bianco (1900, 1901) documented the complete larval development of the penaeids Sicyonia sculpta and Solenocera siphonocera and the incomplete larval development of Parapenaeus longirostris and a species of Gennadas. In the later years Gurney (1927, 1939, 1942 and 1943) described scme larval stages of the species Peneeopsis (Metapenaeus) stebbingi fran the Suez Canal as well as the larvae of the genere Penaeopsis and Sicyonia from Bermuda, besides writing a book on decapod larvae, Dakin (1938) studied the life history of Penaeus plebejus and Morris and Bennet (1951) worked out the life history of Metapenaeus bennettae from Australian waters. Pearson (1939) traced the complete larval series of Penaeus setiferus and Trachypenaeus constrictug and the partial life history of Paravenaeus longirostris ani Susicyonia stimpsoni from the U.S.A, Dobkins (1961) described the life history of Penaeus duorarum from the Gulf of Mexico and Cook (1966) gave a generic key to the protozoeae, myses and postlarval stages of the penasid shrimps of the same area.From the Indian waters the study of some early larvae of Penaeus indicus by Menon (1937) and Subrahmanyam (1965) and the complete life history of Metapenaeus dobsoni by Menon (1951, are noteworthy. Mohammad et al (1970) have described the first postlarvae of Penaeus indicus, Netapenaeus monoceros, Metapenaeus affinis and Parapenaeopsis stylifera and Rao (1973) has desuribed the larvae of P. Stylifera, M..affinis, M: Mono- ceros and P, indicus, Recently Paulinose (1974a,b, 1979) described larvae of Aristaeomorpha foliacea, Funchalia woodwardi Funchalia balboae, Parapenaeus investigatoris, Parapenaeus Jongipes and Parapenaeus fissurug from the samples obtained during IIOE (1960-65) from the Indian Ocean. From the Pakistani waters Haq and Hassan (1975) described the larvae aud nostlarvae of Penaeus, Metapenaeus and Parapenaeopsis and Hassan (1973) dealt with the postlarval stages of P. stylifera, P. sculptilis and P, hardwickii. In other publications Hassan and Haq (1975) gave an account of the postlarval stages of Metapenaeus stevbingi, Metapenaeug affinig and Metapenaeus brev. and flassan (1974) published a key for the generic identification ornis of penaeid larvae of the Pakistan coast. Most of the atove mentioned studies were made on larvae collected from plankton or on larvae obtained by partial rearing in the laboratory, Hudiraga (1935, 1942) was the first worker who succeeded in rearing to adults, shrimp eggs spawned by gravid females in the laboratory, He had reared Penaeus japonicus which untill today forms the base of shrimps-- 10 - culture in Japan. Later Cook and Murphy (1965, 1971) using techniques other than those used by Hudinaga, documented the life history of the penaeids Sicyonia brevirostris and Penaeus aztecus. Other works on the larvae of penaeid shrimps are those of Lee and Lee (1969) on Ketapenaeis joynerii, of Kurata and Pusadee (1974) on Metapenaeus burkenroadi, of Boschi and Scelzo (1974) on Artemesia longicornis, of Sc2lzo and Boschi (1975) on Bymenopenaeus muellerii, of Fielder et al (1975) on Penaeus esculentus of Motch (1979) on Penaeus merguiensis and Motoh and Buri (1979) on Penaeus monodon. Attempts to rear penaeid shrimps in the laboratory have also been made in India, for instance by Thomas et al (1974) on Metapenaeus affinis ard Metapenaeus dobsoni, by Muthu et al (1974) on Penaeus indicus and by Thomas et al (1975) on P. stylifera. In addition, Indian authors have collectively published life histories of eight commercial species of penaeids (CMFRI, 1978), ‘The present author (Hassan, 1980, 82) has given accounts of the complete life histories of Metarenaeus affinis from Pakistani waters and of Penaeus semisulcatus from Kuwait in the Persian Gulf, Later Tirmizi et al (1981) also gave larval development of M. affinis. B. Studies of Distribution and Abundance. Extremely little work has been done to date in different parts of the world on the distribution and abundance of penaeid larvae in natural waters. The principal reason for this paucity<1 e- of information, as we have noted earlier, is the great deal of difficulty faced in the identification of larvae of different genera and species of penaeid shrimps, particularly when several closely related species may occur in the tropical and sub- tropical waters which are the natural place of abode for penaeid shrimps. Even now when some of the commercially important species of penaeids have been reared from laboratory spawned eggs it is difficult to difverentiate between larvae of different species of penaeid genera due tc morphological similarities. The first study on the natural abundance of different larval stages of penaeids seems to ve that of Pearson (1939) who described the general trends in the distribution of the eggs, nauplii, protozoeae, myses and vostlarval stages of Penaeus setiferus, Trachypenaeug contrictus, Parapenaeus longirostris, Eusicyonia stimvsoni and post larval stages of Penaeus brasiliensis. In this study identifications of larvae were ade through rearing the egge secured from natural plankton successively to preadult sizes. Several years later Temple and Fischer (1967) gave an account of the larval distribution of Penaeus spp. from the nerth western gulf of Mexico, Sub- sequently Eldred et al (1965) Munro et al, (1968) and Jones et al (1970) determined the distrioution of Penaeus duorarum larvae in the Gulf of Mexico (Florida) with the essumption that B. duorarum was the only species of Penaeus occurring there, as pointed out by Eldred (1959), ‘The distribution of the postlarvae-12- of the brown and white shrimpe, P. duorarum and Penaeus setiferus, respectively, was reported from the Gulf of Mexico by Baxter and Renfre (1966), whereas Duronslet et al (1972) described the vertical distribution of the postlarvae of the same two species. Recently, Young (1978) has pinpointed a nursery area for juvenile penzeid shrimps in Moreton Bay, Queensland, from where Young and Carpenter (1977) had earlier reported on the recruitment of the post larvae of penaeid shrimps, From Madagascar in the Indian Ocean, Reste (1971) studied the reproductive cycle of Penaeus indicus with data on the abundance of its larvae, The same author (Reste, 1970) had also studied the abundance of the postlarvae of Penaeus indicus and Penaeus acclivirostrig in night catches from the same locality. From the Indian Ocean several authors have outlined the distrioution of larvae, postlarvae, juveniles and adults of penacids together with information on their breeding seasons. Of these, the studies of Kemp (1915), Panikkar and Aiyar (1939), Menon (1951, 1955), Subrahmanyam and Rao (1968), Bao (1972), Rao and Gopalakrishnayya (1974), Ramamorthy et al (1975) and Suseelan (1976) are noteworthy. The present study from the Pakistani waters is the first of its kind from the northern Arabian Sea.=13- 5. MATERIAL AND MEmyons The resent study is based on analyses of the samples of larvae and postlarvae of penaeids ccllected from (1) Manora Channel and Xorangi Creek in the Karachi area (2) waters of the northern Arabian Sea off the coast of Pakistan and (3) samples of postlarvae and juveniles of penaeids collected from several back- waters and creeks in tue province of Sind and Baluchistan (Makran). The methodology used to obtain penaeid material from the different areag nentioned above will be outlined below. 5.1, Sampling for penaeid eggs, lervae and postlarvae dn Manora Channel and Korangi Greel.. The backwaters of Manora Channel and Korangi. Creek are the two most accessible arcas for plankton sampling in the Karachi area (Figures 1,2 and 3). At each of the two localities plankton eampling vas done at three arbitrarily chosen stations which lie approximately one Km apart from each other, At each locality station 3 was located at the mouth of the inlet adjacent to the open Arabian Sea, The two localities are themse)ves about 12 Km apart from each other, Becauce of their accessibility and richnes: of marine life the two localities remain the foremost sampling areae for local marine biologists. Throughout the study period (1968,1971) zooplankton samples were collected, 2 to 3 times per month, from the three stations in both Manora Channel and Korangi Creek (Figures 1,2- 14 and 3). 4A zooplankton net having a mesh size of 330.4, a mouth diameter of 30 cms and an overall leugth of 100 cms, was used for plankton sampling. In order to determine the amount of water filtered through the net a TSX flowmeter was mounted in the mouth of the net. At each station, the not having a desired weight quently assigned to different penaeid genera. Much of the identification was done with the help of the keys developed by the present author from his ow work (Hassan, 1974, 1980, 1982; Haq and Hassan, 1975) and with the help of other papers, such as those of Gurney (1927, 1942 and 1943), Pearson (1939), Menor. (1951), Morris and Bennet (1951), Cook (1966), Mohammad et al (1970), Rao (1973), Kurata and Pusadee (1974), Fielder et al (1975). A working key was also developed for this purpose (see page 19- .21). The larvae however could not be identified to species because of extremely close resemblences. After the identifjcation were accomplished the abundance of eggs and larvae was estimated per 500 N° or per standard haul.- 18 = fhe juveniles of penaeid shrimps collected from different Jocalities on the coast of Sind and Mekran were identified with the help of the following publications: Kubo, 1949, 1954; Williams, 1953, 1959; Rao and Gopalakrishnan, 1968; Rao, 1969, 1972 Muthu and Rao, 1973; Tirmizi and Javed, 1976; Hassan, 1981. The juveniles of M. stebbingi, M. affinis, M. monoceros and Fenaeug spp. could be identified as such with the help of keys given by Rao (1969), the diagonostic features given by Muthu and Rao (1975) and the detailed description of M. stebbingi and M. affinis given by Tirmizi and Javed (1976) and Hessan (1981), respectively. ‘The juveniles of the genus Penaeus however could not be assigned further to different snecies because of much Close resemblence among these and aise due to vcar-‘ty of previous research on this subject, Here the term "Juvenile" has teen used in broad sense and includes few late postlarvae and subadults of penaeid shrimps. After identifications of the juveniles had been accompli- shed, they were enumerated in each sample and the mean abundance per standard haul was calculated for each month, The sizes of the baby shrimps were also recorded. Carapace length (C.L.) and total length (T.L.) were measured from the base of the rostrum to the dorsal posterior margin of carapace and from the tip of the rostrum to the tip of the telson, respectively. The sexes of the juvenile shrimps were also determind by the scrutiny of their petasmata and thelyca.= 19 - The following key for the identification of nauplii, protozoeae, myses and postlarval stages from natural plankton is constructed through the work of Cook (1966), Haq and Hassan (4975) » Hassan (1974) and other related literature, NAUPLIUS: In pendid nauplii differences in setation are minor or absent in the three genera, but they have been classified as under: 1. Dorsal protuberance absent, nauplius relative ly larger AN S420 eee e cece eeeeeeeeeeeeereeeeeeees Penaeus, 2, Dorsal Protuberance present, nauplius small 3.1, Nauplius stout in structure and bear short and stout appe dages. ...... fete tenes sees Hetapiaeus 3.2. Nauplius elongated, fragile in structure and with comparatively long appendages .......+.. Parapenaeopsis PROTOZOEA: Antennule and antenna of nearly equal size ...,.... 1 1.1, Number of setae on endopod of antenna 1+1+245 7 (Z = Terminal setae).......seeeeeeeees es Penaeus 1.2. Number of setze on endopod of antenna 1+2+2+5 °/ 1424345 T/ 2424245 T reeeeee seeorees Parapenaeus 1.3, Number of setae on endopod of antenna 2+2+3+5 T, carapace and abdomen with numerous spines scene eet eneeeeneneeeeeeeestesessecevenes SQleNocera Antennule much larger than antenna ......... 2= 20- 2.1, Number of setae on endopod of antenna 1+2+2+5 T, Carapace and abdomen with out spines ... Metapenaeus 2.2, Number of Setae on endopod of antenna.. OF2+2+5 T weeeee seeeeccreeesesteees Parapengeopsis MXSIS: Carapace and abdomen with many spines, dorsal organ present on dorsal surface of carapace, supraorbital, antennal and pterygostomian spines present, telson with 8+8 spines .......-.Solengcera Carpace and abdomen without many spines, dorsal organ absent ...sseeecsseeeceseceeesnees 2 2.1, Telson with 7+7 spines supraorbital and lateral spinis ov obdomen absern. .....+.....++ Meta penacus Teleon with 8+8 spines ...s..cceseeseceeeeeees 3 3.1, Dorsomedian spine on third abdominal segment minute, supraorbital and lateral spines on fifth and sixth abdominal segments present ... Penaeus 3.2. Dorsomedian spine on third abdominal segment elongated, supraorbital and lateral spines on fifth and sixth abcominal segments present eee e eee eeeeeeeeeseecetsecceerceeserees Parapenaeus 3.3. Dorsomedian spine on third and fourth abdominal segments absent, supraorbital and lateral spines on abdomen also absent. Antennal and pterygostomian spines Present ..sssseseeesseceeseoeeees DarapenagopsisgH POST 2.2. 2.3. 2.4. = 21 = Parapenaeus Metapenaeus TARVA: Cervical stlezs on carapace present, antennule flattened, sixth abdominal segment short and slightly curved aoe cesses Sollenocera Gervical sulcus on carapace absent ..s..eee0.e 2 Antennules round, sixth abdominal segment long and straight, telson with a distal pair of fixed Jaterel spines preceded by two pairs of smaller movable SPin@S ...seeeseeseceeeeseneeees Telson with 7+7 spines ....c.eesceceeaes Telson with 6+8 spines ......++eeee+s0e+ Penaeus Telson with @+1+8 spines ....eseseeeeeee Parapenaeopsis~ 22- It 1s to be emphasized here that with the literature referred to above, larval forms could be assigned to different genera of penaeids only, It was due to the experience of the present author with the rearing of Metapenaeus affinis ( Hassan 1961), in the laboratory and the availability of the study of Tirmizi and Javed (1976) on the genitalia of Metapenaeus stebbingi which made it possible to identify the juveniles of these species, The identification of eggs was, however, very difficult, Most eggs collected from naturai plankton happened to be in advanced stages of developusert and showed fuliy developed embryos. The experience of this author in the rearing of eggs (isolated from natural plankton collected at Korangi Creek) provided clues to the identification of eggs of different penaeid genera. In this regard the following observations on penaeid egg morphology were of utmost importance The perivitelline space (Tables 7 ana 8) is very narrow in the eggs of the genus Penaeus. In Metapenaeus eggs it is highly variable but is wider than that of Penaeus; in Paravenaeopsis it is.widest. Enbryos developing within the eggs of Metavenaeus are stouter but have shorter appendages than those of Parapenaeopsis which are fragile and have longer appencages. The identification of the eggs of penaeids attempted in this study has, however, its limitations and can best be considered as tentative.-3- 6, THE STYDY AREA 6.1. Monora Channel: Manora Channel (Figures 1 and 2) is situated between 24°. 47, 24°.50! latitude and 66°.58", 66°.59' longitude about 8 km from Karachi city centre. This channel is approximately 8 km long and about 850 to 1000 meter wide, It is divided into the uper (4,2 km) and lower (3.8 km) harbours. ‘The sides of the channel are shallow but the depth of the lower harbour in the rid section is maintained at about 10 m and that of the upper at 11 m by regular dredging round the year, The main channel towards the northeast leads into Uhinna Greek which .. a large shaliow muddy backwater area covered with mangroves. Towards north this channel extends to Karachi Fish Harbour. Towards the northwest the main channel leads into Baba Channel near Baba and Bhit Islands, This channel is connected with an extensive back- water area which is also muddy and covered with mangroves. This area extends to the Sardspit area which is adjacent to Hawksbay towards the open sea. A small river, the Lyari River, discharges into this area domestic and industrial effluents brought from the northwest region of Karachi (Ahmed, 1977). The seaward end of Manora Channel is protec ted by Manora Isiand which stretches from the north to southeast direction with a rocky headland known as Manora point, At this end of the channel a breakwater or seawall- 24 about 500 m long also offers portection to the harbour during the southwest monsoon season. The naturel silt transport which occurs in this area in the southeast direction is mostly stopped by this breakwater. Another seawall, about 2 ka long has been constructed on the castern flank of the entrance of the channel to protect tne harbour from silt coming from the east. ‘The beaches on both eides of the channel ave mostly sandy or sandy-cum-muddy. ‘The west bank is deep and subjected to strong wave action, while the eastside is shallow muddy-cum-sandy and better protected from wave action. 6.2. Korangi Creek Knrangi Creek is situated about 12 km from the Karncht City centre and about 12 km towards the southeast of Manora Channel, Its approximate location is 24°.44', 24°.48' Lati- tude and 67°.05', 67°.12' longitude. The creek is 3 to 7 fathoms deep in the middle. Its mouth is located into shallow 0-3 fathoms shelf, which gradually deepens towards open sea. The mouth is bordered on the northwest by sand dunes which extend to the Clifton erea and on the southeast by Bundal Island (Figures 1 and 3), The upper channel of Korangi Creek extends northeast to the village of Haji Ayub and then diverts southeast to join Kaciro and Phitti Creeks. Its shallow upper portion extends northeast to the village of Rehri. The bottoms here are mostly sandy-cum-muddy with mud dominating on the beaches, Between Korangi and Puitti creeks there exists~ 5 - a large patcn of shallow area which remains submerged during high tide and becomes exposed Juring low tide. The area is important because of its mangrove vegetation and seems to be an ideal habitat for juvenile shrimps. 6.3. Bhambore Tis locality is situated 72 Km southwest of Karachi. It is a continuation of the Gharo-Phitti salt water creek system of which Korangi Creek is also a part. The sampling for penaeid juveniles at this site was done about .00 meters west of Bhambore in a wide channel joining Gharo Creek, This site is characterised by a sandy-cum-muddy substratum and very soft mud ané mangrove vegetation at some spots. The embank= ment is, however, hard and suitable for walking. Some area is swampy and is covered with mangroves, Some salt pans are aiso located at this site, This sampling site is about 30 Km from the open Arabian Sea from where water enters the system tnrough the Gharo-Phitti Creeks. 6.4. Sandspit The backwaters of Sandspit (Figure 1) are located between Manora and Hawksbay (24°.50' latitude 66°.56' longitude). These backwaters are actually a part of the Manora Channel environment, The mud flats in this area are covered with mangroves which are thickest here compared to other mangrove areas in Karachi, The Sandspit beckwaters are under the influence of fresh water input from the Lyari River as well as= 26 - other freshwater discharges from the adjacent residential area. It is probably this freshwater input which has resulted in the dense mangrove vegetation which is found here (Ahmed, 19772). The tidal flats in these backwaters are composed of mixed substrates of sand, mud and rocks and in some places of exclusively sandy or sandy-cum-muddy substrates, Beam trawling for shrimps juveniles was conducted on such sandy~cum-muddy flats. Salt pans are also maintained in these backwaters. 6.5, Hab Delta The delta of the Hab River (Figure-1), locally known as Soneri, is located between Cape Monze and Gadani, (24°.54! Latitude, 66°.43' longitude) about 40 Km northwest of Karachi. Only nominal f.cst ater 4 put occirr te-the Arabian Se through this delta but this discharge increases somewhat during monsoon rains, The locality is mostly sandy but at the mouth of the river the bottom is composed of soft mud. The embankments are, however, fairly easy to walk and suitable for trawling, The delta has a good population of edible oysters (Ahmed, 1980), 6.6. Open Coast The coast of Pakistan bordering the northern Arabian Sea can be divided into northern and southern sections. ‘he northern section extends from Karachi to Jiwani up to the Iranian border (Figure 4). It is 300 sea miles long, having a continental shelf which is on the average 20 to 30 sea- 27 - miles wide (10 miles at Ras Ormara and 42 miles at Sonmiani and Karachi), The southern section extends from Karachi to ‘the Indian border. This section is slightly more than 200 nautical miles long. Here the continental shelf is 60 to 90 niles wide, The northern shelf shows a steep decline of 229 to 841 (Ali Khan, 1976) metres depth and is exposed to oceanic influence. The shelf conditions are, however, maintai- ned on the southern section of the coast because of the shallowness of the bottom. ‘The continental shelf of the southern coast, near the point of the discharge of the Indus River, is interrputed by a canyon called the "Swatch", ‘The continental shelf on the northern coast of Pakistan is rocky and less suitable for trawling but that on th. southe:s section consists of soft bottom auch suited for trawling and obviously for the burrowing of shrimps, 7. HYDROGRAPHIC CONDITIONS IN THS STUDY AREA The hydrographic conditions of the coastal environment of Pakistan are influenced to a great extent by monsnonic winds. the northeast monsoon season starts in November and persists through March being roughest in January, ‘The south- west monsoon season, on the other hand, begins in May and lasts to the end of September with highest intensity in July - August. October and April are transitional periods between ‘the two monsoons (Ali Khan, 1976; Ahmed, 1980).- 27 - miles wide (10 miles at Ras Ormara and 42 miles at Sonmiani and Karachi), The southern section extends from Karachi to ‘the Indian border. This section is slightly more than 200 nautical miles long. Here the continental shelf is 60 to 90 niles wide, The northern shelf shows a steep decline of 229 to 841 (Ali Khan, 1976) metres depth and is exposed to oceanic influence. The shelf conditions are, however, maintai- ned on the southern section of the coast because of the shallowness of the bottom. ‘The continental shelf of the southern coast, near the point of the discharge of the Indus River, is interrputed by a canyon called the "Swatch", ‘The continental shelf on the northern coast of Pakistan is rocky and less suitable for trawling but that on th. southe:s section consists of soft bottom auch suited for trawling and obviously for the burrowing of shrimps, 7. HYDROGRAPHIC CONDITIONS IN THS STUDY AREA The hydrographic conditions of the coastal environment of Pakistan are influenced to a great extent by monsnonic winds. the northeast monsoon season starts in November and persists through March being roughest in January, ‘The south- west monsoon season, on the other hand, begins in May and lasts to the end of September with highest intensity in July - August. October and April are transitional periods between ‘the two monsoons (Ali Khan, 1976; Ahmed, 1980).- 28 - In the present study a considerable amount of sampling for penaeid larvae and juveniles has been conducted in Korangi Creek and at Bhambore which are part of the network of salt water creeks on the coast of Sind. At present these two localities and the entird Gharo-Phitti Creck system represents the old and obandoned delta of the Indus River. These were originally freshwater creeks several hundred years ago but were filled with the Arabian Sea water after the Indus changed its course (Haq, 1976; Ahmed, 1980). ‘The study area is thus dominated by monsoon circulation and high salinity as we shall see later. 7.1, Currents The velocity of surface currents in Manora Channel generally ranges from 1,0 to 1.5 knots per hour but between Chinna Creek and upper harbour, stronger currents have been experienced (Dr. G.S. Quraishee personal communication). Virtually no information is available on the currents prevailing in Korangi creek, It is, however, mentioned in a current survey of the Port Qasim area (Gharo - Phitti Creek system) that the approximate current speed in Korangi Creek during ebb tides ranges from 0 to 5 knots per hour and 0 to 2 knots per hour during flood tides ( Mr. 5.7, Ghani personal communication). The meagre information which is available on surface currents from the Arabian Sea (Mchatskarten fur den Indiss-- 2 - chen Occean, Deutschs Hydrographisches Institute, 1960; Ali Khan, 1976) 1s summarized below. The surface currents during February flow close to the Pakistan coast from northwest to southeast. In March (Ali Khan, 1976) the surface currents moves southwards at a speed never exceeding 20 cm per second off the coast of Pakistan, In August the surface currents continue to move from northwest to southeast close to the coast despite prevailing southwest monsoon. while a strong surface current flows in the offshore waters along the Arabian coast and Pakistan coast in southwest direction probably supported by strong southwest monsoon winds. Ali Khan (1976) added that in November and December despite prevailing southwanis winds, a werk northward .vastal current appears north of 20°N, During this period surface currents seems to be westerly along the Mekran coast.= 30 - 7.2. Temperature According to Wyrtki (1971) surfaces temperatures in the Arabian Sea range from 23° to 29% during a year. In Manora Channel the surface temperatures (Figure 7) were found to range from 20°C to 30.4 °C during the entire period of study (1968-1971). Surface temperatures generally increased from March to June and started decreasing from the last week of July to the end of November. ‘The lowest temperatures were generally observed in the months of December and January, whereas the highest were recorded in June and July, Relatively low temperatures were reccrded at station 3 near the mouth of the channel. In Korangi Creek during the present study (1968-1971), surface temperatures (Figure 7) ranged from 18.8°C to 31.6°C showing a little greater range than in Manora Channel. This is probably due to the presence of a shallower shelf area which adjoins the mouth of Korangi Creek (and also because Korangi Creek is itself mich shallower) leading to quick heating and cooling of water in different seasons. The average depth of the shelf off Manora Channel is 2 to 5 meters compared to 0 to 2 meters off the moith of Korangi Creek (according to Pakistan and British Admiralty survey map "Approaches to Karachi" 1954, 1577). In Korangi Creek surface temperatures were generally found to increase from March to June and to decrease from the lest quarter of July to the end of November, As in=e Manova Channel, the lowest temperature was generally recorded in tke months of December and January, whereas the highest temperature occurred during the months of June to July, Relatively low temperatures were recorded at station 3 near the mouth of the creek, i The following observations on temperature conditions were made during the cruises of the R.V. "Dr. Fridtjof Nansen" from the coastal waters of Pakistan during the period January to Juns, 1977. At the 10 meter depth temperature during the period January 19 to February 9 (Figure 8a) was generally found to be lower near the coast and higher in offshore waters. On the uorthwe.t coast temperatures yenerally ranged around 23°C or @ little higher but increased gradually on the southeast coast with increasing distances from the shore, During the period February 13 to March 6, temperatures at the 10 m depth were a little higher (Figure 8b) than in the January-February period, and ranged from 23 to 23.5°C. A temperature of 24°C was recorded in the offshore waters. During the period March 8 to April & temperatures generally ranged around 25°C (Pigure 9a) towards the north of Karachi but towards the south of it they gradually decreased from 24°C to 23°C, In the offshore waters towards the north of Ormara temperatures increased from 25°C to 26.5°C with increasing distance from the coast. In the south towards= 32- Keti Bunder temperatures gradually decreased from 25°C to 23.5°C. During the period April 13 to May 15, with the approach of the southwest monsoon season, a mixing of the see water seems to commence in the northern Arabian Sea as was reflected in the temperature profiles, During this period temperature in the coastal waters ranged around 27°C (Figure 9b) with an increase of one degree neer Sonmiani Bay, It decreased from 27°C to 20°C south of Karachi towards Keti Bundes, Towards the northwest of Pasni there was an increase from 27°C tc 29°C even in offshore waters. Lower temperatures (Figure 10) were recorded in the coastal waters of Pakistan during the period May 18 te June 20, Prom Sonmiani Bay to little beyond Ormara temperatures ranged petween 23°C to .6°C anu gfaduaily increased to 29°C in offsnore waters. In the south, below 67° iatitude end in the north above 64° latitude a temperature of 28°C was recorded wherens in the offshore waters throughout the coast the temperature was 29°C, A pronounced heating of the surface waters seemed to occur in the study area throughout the period January to dune, 1977. In the inshore waters there was a gradual increase in temperature from 23°C to 28°C. During the period May 18 to June 20, an interesting picture emerged when a lowering of temperature from 33°C to 28°C was recorded around Ormara and Sonmiani Bay. An upwelling also seemed to occur along the Mekran Coast. ‘This upwelling was- 33 - mest pronounced in the Sonmiani Bay area as reported in the cruise report of "Dr, Fridtjof Nansen" (Anonymous, 1978). in the offshore waters there was a gradual increase from 23%c to 29°C at the 10 m depth. Throughout the study period the temperatures increased gradually towards the south of Karachi than in tne rest of the study area. During the study of the distribution of postlarvae and juveniles at four localities, namely, Korangi Greek, Bhambore, Sandspit and Hab Delta, the following recordings of temperature were made during the year 1979-80 (Figure 11). At Korangi Creek the lowest temperatures of 17°C to 18°C were recorded in December, These generally increased in the fol?cwing months to reach a meximum of 31°C in June, Fron June to October the temperatures approximated to 31°C and started declining November on. At Bhambore the lowest teuperature of 16-17°C were recorded in January. ‘hese increased sharply to reach 29-30°C in April. ‘The tempera- tures remained at this level until October with the highest record of 32-33°C made in July. #rom November’ onwards the temperatures decreased sharply, ‘The iowest temperatures of 16~20°C were recorded in December, at Sandspit. They increa- sed sharply in the following months to reach 30-31°C in March and remained around this level till September, In the following months a gradual decrease occurred. The lowest temperatures of 18-22°C were recorded in December at the- 34 Hab Delta, Temperatures gradually increased to 34°C from January to June and decreased to about 30°C in the follow- ing months until September when a further decrease occured, 7.3. Salinsty Mean surface salinities in Manora Channel during tne period 1969-71 ranged from 32.0 to 38,2 ¥.(Figure 12) and 30.8 to 38.4 % at Korangi Creek (Figure 12). The average salinities at both the localities approximated to 37.0 Xgduring thie period with somewhat higher values at Koraugi Creek, which were evidently due to shallower bottoms, The lower values of 30.8 and 32.0 % were recorded only after heavy rains (August-September), The higher values of 38.1 to 38.4 %» were on the other hand attributable to long dry season causing high evaporation. The following observations on fluctuations of salinities in the coastal waters of Pakistan were made during the cruises of the Norwegian fisheries R.V. "Dr. Fridtjof Nansen", Daring the period January 19 to February 9, salinities at the 10 m depth were 36.0 to 36.1 %» (Figure 13) in the inshore waters towards the south of Karachi between 66°,30' latitude and 24°,00' to 24°.30' longitude and in the offshore waters between 23°.30' latitude, Towards the north of Cape Monze the salinity was 36.4 %- . Highest salinities= 35 - of 36.6 and 36.5 %0 , were recorded in the 2ffshore waters north of Crmara, Somewhat lower salinities, 36.0 to 36.3 %. » were recorded south of Cape Monze from where the 36.3 %» isoline extended to offshore waters. During the period February 13 to March 6, lower salinities (35.9 to 36.1 %o ), were recorded towards the south of Karachi in the Indus delta region (Figure 14a). In tt adjacent offshore waters somewhat higher salinities, 36.2 to 36.3 %e , prevailed. Towards the north of Cape Monze, in the inshore and offshore waters, the salinity was 36.5 %o . The highest salinity of 36.6 %o , was recorded off Gawadar at 23°,30" - 249,00", During the period March 8 to April 8, salinities around the Indus delta were lower (36,0 to 36.30 %e ) (Figure 14). Towards the north of Karachi salinities gradually increased both in the inshore and offshore waters, In the inshore waters the highest salinity of 36.0 %» , was recorded in the Sonmiani area, Salinities vere 36.6 to 36.7 %» , in the offshore waters off Gwadar between 13°.30'. During the period April 13 to May 15, lower salinities of 36.4 to 36.5 %» were found south of Sonmiani Bay, both in the inshore and offshore waters (Figure 15a). The salinity was 36.5 %e , in the inshore waters between Ormara and Pasni. In the coastal waters off Jiwanithe salinity was 36.8 %o- 36- vhile in the offshore waters off Jivani and Ormara high salinities of 36.7 to 36.8 %0 , prevailed. Salinities of 36.6 to 36.7 %o were recorded in Sonmiani Bay. During the period May 18 to June 20, a lower salinity of 36.4 %o was recorded in the coastal waters between Cape Monze and a little beyond Ormara (Pigure 15b). ‘The salinity was 36.5 ¥o around Gwadar and in the coastal waters from Jiwani to Indus delta. Off the Indus delta the salinity was 36.6 X0 . Throughout the coast, in general, and around the Indus delta in particular, an increase in salinity was recorded from January to June, 1977. At Korangi Creek, during the period 1979-80, lowest Saliaities were recorded in July (30 ¥0) and August (32 #0) ~ whereas the highest salinities occurred in the months of Maren (37 %o) and April (38 Xo), The lowering of salinities in the late sumer (Figure 16) moaths was caused by southwest monsoonic rains, At Bhambore the highest salini- ties of 37-39 %o, were recorded during the period March to May and the lowest values in July and August (30 %o), Sep- tember (29 %0) and December (31 %o), The lowering of salinity during the winter months was caused by northwest monsoon rains, At Sandspit lowest salinities were recorded in July (30.5 %0) and August (29.5 %0). In the remaining months salinities were generally high, In Hab River delta low salinities ocourrea in July (33 %0) and August (31.5 %o) and were-37 - evidently caused by southwest monsoon rains. In the remaining months salinities were generally higher (Figure 16). 7.4. Dissolved Oxygen (DO) ‘There was no plan for gathering the DO values from the salt water inlets due to non availability of facilities at that time, Inthe offshore waters however during January to June, 1977, DO values were taken. Therefore, it is considered worthwhile to include this information in the present study. During the period January 19 to February 9 (Figure 17a), in the inshore waters between Sonmiani Bay and the Indus delta, DO values were about 5 ml/1, between Pasni and Gwadar and near Jiwani i1 was 5-6 ml/l. In the offshore -aters. - throughout the coast, iu general DO values were 4,5 to > 4.5 m/l. The DO values ranged from 4,5 to >4,5 ml/1 between 64°.30' to 65°.30' and 22°,30' to 65°.30 and 22°,0". During the period February 13 to March 6 the DO value was 5 ml/l off Indus delta and Keti Bunder (Figure 17d), In the offshore waters between 65°-67°.30' the DO was 5.0 ml/1 to <5,0 ml. In the inshore waters between Ormare and Pasni the DO was 5.0 ml/1 while in the offshore waters it was 7 5.0 ml, 5.0 m/l. Between Pasni and Jiwani the values were 5.0 to ¢ During the period March 8 to April 8 (Figure 18a) DO values were between 5 m1/l or less in the south of the Indus- 38 - . delta, Generally a 20 value of 5,0 ml/l was found through- out the coast. Off Ormara and Pasni along 24° it was less than 5.0 m1/1, while below 24° it was greater than 5,0 m/l. During the period April 13 to May 15 (Figure 18>), the DO was 5 m1/1 between Sonmiani Bay and Gwadar and bet~ ween Pasni and Jiwani in the coastal area. South of Cape Monze and south of the Indus delta, 4.5 m1/1, and slightly higher values prevailed, lower value occurring near the coast. In the offsiore water along the entire coast the DO was 4,5 ml/l except arround 23°, 30' off Gwader where it was 5.0 ml/l. During the period May 18 to June 20, the DO was 4.0 ml/] in the inshore waters along the entire « ..2% (Figure 19). A higher value of 5,0 ml/l prevailed between 66°,30' to 68°,8' latitude and 22°.30' longitude,-39- Table 1, Strength of trawlers and shrimp landings in Pakistani waters during the period 1970-78. The cata are taken from Hand book af fisher..es statistics of Pakistan, published ty Marine Fisheries Department, Government of Pakistan. Total shrimp landings Year Trawlers (matric tons.) 1970 443 19500 1971 668 18000 1672 745 18100 1673 922 21100 19746 1076 15900 1975 1098 16300 1976 1130 21100 1977 1451 20515 1978 1270 19399ARABIAN SEA-42- Bigure 2, Map shwing st.ticns 1,2 ené 3 in Nanora Channe?.-43- 2047" 0 istanos KEAMARI BABA ‘BHIT I. CE ve) MANGROVES= 44 - Figure 3. Map showing the location of different station in Korangi Creek; stations, 1, 2 and 3 are plankton stations and A is shore collection station.CLIFTON 6T\0° . « . ae . : out gE. BUNDAL I. 2 co s £ = rn: ARABIAN SEA . = co : a= 46 - Pigure 4, Map 72 the coast of Pakista.:.PAKISTAN SONMIANI t PASN ORMARA, owes es eT ._BAY ARABIAN scAFigure 5. = 48 - ‘The grid system on which plankton sampling was conducted in the coastal waters ot Pakistan by the Norwegian R/V "Dr. Fridtsof Nansen". Tue area was covered five times during the period January to June, 1977.= 50 - Figure 6. Diagramatic sketch of the beam trawl used for sampling juwoniles shrimps in the present study. -BEAM TRAW,- 52 - Figure 7. Temperature (°C) variations in different months during the period 1968-1971 in Mancra Channel end Xcrangi reex,KORANGI CREE K wrcenenen 1968 BOP ee w 3 Ny 3 Ai,NORA CHANNe'. TEMERATURE & Oo w o 20 FMAMJ SJ AS OND MONTH- 54 + Figure 8a. Temperature variations (°C) in the coastal waters of Pakistan from 19 January to 9 February, 1977 at 10 M depth. Figure €b. Temperature variations (°C) in the coastal waters of Pakistan from 13 February to 6 March, 1977 at 10 M depth,- 56 = Figure 9a. Temperature variations (°C) in the coastal water of Pakistan from 8 March to 8 April, 1977, at 10 M depth. Figure 9b, Temperature variations (°C) in the coastal waters of Pakistan from 1% April to 15 May, 1977, at 10 M depth,- 58 - Figure 10, Temperature variations (°C) in the coastal water 2 Pakistan from 18 May sc 79 June, 1977, :t “CM depth.40 40 30 20 10 HAB DELTA aN pa SANDS PIT BHAMBORE a KORANGI CREEK aN JFMAMJJASOND MONTHS= 62- Pigure 12. Salinity (Xo) variations in different montns during the period 1968-71 in Manora Channel and Karangi Creek.MANORA = CHANNEL 39 eS 3” a an —_—— 36 N RAIN 3% % x 2 3 DUET MTA MST STATS ON OTS EM AM IITA SON OTD FM AM 1969 1970 1971 KORANG! CREEK SALINITY % S 38 37 RAIN 36 35. 34 33 32 u L SUR MA™M SOA SON DIS "F MAM J° SA'S O'N DIS FMAM J 1969 1970 1971= 64 - Figure 13. Distribuyion of salinity (%0) in the coastal wate: of Pakistan from 19 January to 9 February, 1977, at 10 4 depth,- 66 - Figure 14a, Distribution of e2linity (%o) in the coastel waters of Pakistan from 13 February to 6 March, 1977, at 10 M depth. Figure 14b. Distribution of salinity in the coastal waters of Pakistan from 8 March to 8 April, 1977, at 10 depth.“ Xm= 68 - Figure 15a, Distribution of salinity (¥o) in the coastal waters of Pakistan from 13 April to 15 May, 1977, at 10M depth. Figure 15b. Distribution of salinity (%o) in the coastal water of Pakistan from 18 May to 28 June, 1977, at 10 M depth.- 70 - Pignre 16. ‘onthly vey tations in salinity €%o} during the period 4979 - 80 at the four sites from where juvenile shrimps were collected.KORANG! CREEK ——— BHAMBORE ----- SANUSPIT — -+-#-e- HAB DELTA ee JFMAMJJASOND MONTH- 72 - Figure 17a, Dissolved oxygen (DO ml/1) in the codstal water of Pakistan at 10M depth from 19, January to 9, February, 1977. Figure i7>d, Dissolved oxygen (m1/1) in the coastal waters of Pakistan at 10 M depth from 13, February to 6, March, 1977.- 1% = Pigure 18a, Dissolved oxygen (m1/1) in the coastal waters of Pakistan at 10M depth from 8, March to 8, April, 1977, Figure 18b. Dissolved oxygen (ml/1) in the coastal waters of Pakistan at 10 M depth from 13, April to 15, May, 1977.or oe 6 6c os w Ca 1s.- 7% = Figure 19, Dissolved oxygen (m1/1) in the coastal waters of Pakistan at 10 M depth from 18, May to 20 June, 1977.- 78 + CRAPTER & 8. DISTRIBUTION AND ABUNDANCE OF PENAEID ECGS LARVAE AND POSTLARVAE IN MANORA CHANNEL AND KORANGI CREEK.-9- g.1 INTRODUCTION As mentioned earlier, for any study of the distri- bution and abundance of penaeid larvae occuring in plankton, it is essential for a worker to possess an expertise for the identifiration of various larval forms with a good degree of precision, The ground work for such a study on Pakistani shrimps has already been done by the present author (Hassan, 1980, 1982) who has been able to rear in the latoratory the complete Larval series, from eggs spawned by the female in the laboratory, of one species each of the three penaeid genera, Penaeus, Metayenaeus and Parapenaeopsis. Berause of bis own studies, spread over a poriot of severa’ years, the author is now able to identify the larval forns of the above named three genera and to determine their natural abundance. The author has also been able to prepare a key (page 13) for the identification of local penaeid larvae to generic level incorporating the infor- mation contained in Cook (1966), Hassan (1974) Haq and Hassan (1975) and other related literature, A comparision of different larval forms of the three genera (Tables 2,3 and 4) shews that in size the larvae of the genus Penaeus are the largest and those of Metapenaeus the smallest of the three genera, larvae of the genus Perapenaeopsis occupy an intermediate position size-wise, The same holds for the respective larvae of the speciesa - 80 - B. semisuleatus, 2, stylifera and M. affinis. ‘The distribution and abundance of the. penaeid eggs and larvae from Manora Channel and Korangi Creek, the two localities examined in great detail during the present study would be discussed in this section. @,2. General abundance of penaeid eggs and larvae in Manora Channel and forangi Creek, Manora Channel: fable 5 shows the number of plankton hauls made in Manora Channel during the four years of study (1968 to 1971) and the number of penaeid eggs: ¢ larv-e comt.in 1 therein. From May to December, 1968 (excepting October when sampling could not be undertaken due to different reasons) 26 plankton samples were collected in all (Taple 5) out of which only 14 proved to be positive, In 1968 a total of 382 penaeid, larvae belonging to the three commercial genera namely, Penaeus, Metapenaeus and Parapenaeopsis were caught amounting to about 27,36 larvae per positive haul. ‘he eggs were totally absent from plankton samples that year, During the year 1369, 85 zooplankton samples were taken out of which 31 were positive, A total of 249 penaeid eggs and 4527 penaeid larvae were caught amounting to about 8.03 eggs and 146.03 larvae per positive haul,-81- During the year 1970, sampling could not be under- taken from May to June. In the rest of the period a total of 60 plankton samples were collected out of which 22 were positive for penaeid eggs and larvae. In all 56 penaeid eggs and $95 penaeid larvae were collected amounting to 2.54 eggs and 31.60 larvae per positive haul, During the year 1971, plankton sampling was conducted from January to April, only, and a total of 26 plankton samples were collected out of which only 7 were positive for penaeid eggs and larvae. The positive hauls contained 94 penaeid eggs and only 35 penaeid larvae amounting 13.43 eggs and 5.0 larvae per positive haul. Korangi Creek: Brom May to December 1968 (excepting October when sampling could not be under taken due tu severa) reasons) a total of 36 zooplankton hauls were taken out of which 32 were positive (Table 6). In all 555 penaeid larvae were caught during the period amounting to about 17.0 larvae per positive haul, The eggs were totally absent trom plankton samples this year, The larvae belonged to the same three commercial genera which occurred in Manora Channel, namely, Penaeus, Metapenaeus and Parapenaeopsis. rom January to December, 1969, @ total of 106 plankton hauls were taken out of which 87 were positive.- 82 - In all 300 penae!d eggs and 2722 penaeid larvae belonging to the three commercial genera were caught during this period amounting to about 3.45 eggs and 31.29 larvae per positive haul. A total of 102 plankton hauls' were taken during the year 1970, out of which 85 were positive. In ail 767 penaeid eggs and 1778 penaeid larvee were caught amounting to about 9,02 eggs and 20,92 larvae per positive haul. From January to June 1971, a total of 48 plankton hauls were made out of which 31 were positive, In all 272 penaeid eggs and 441 penaeid larvae were caught amounting to about 8.77 eggs and 14,22 lavvae per positive havl. Manora Channel and Korangi Creek compared: Throughout the present study the average number of penaeid larvae caught per positive haul at the three stations in Wanora Chennel (stations 1,2 and 3, in that order) were 48.80, 67.12, 35.78, vespectively. These amounted to 32.17, 44.24 and 23.6 %, respectively. In Korangi Creek (stations 41, 2 and 3) was resvectively 19.67, 21.53 and 22.44. This amounted to 30.91, 33.83 and 35.26 %, respectively. Tables 5 and 6 show that in Manora Channel the average number of larvae per positive haul were higher at the second station (some 1,2 Km from the mouth of the Channel) during the year 1968 to 1970, At the first station the numbers were generally lower than on the third station during 1968 to-83- 1971 but higher in 1969, At Korangi Creek, during the year 1968, the number of larvae per positive haul were highest at station 1 and became fewer and fewer on stations 2 and 3, During the year 1969 and 1970 the number of larvae at station 1 were the least but increased on the other two stations. A study of the relative distribution of penaedd larvae on different sampling stations (stations 1,2,3) in Manora Channel and Korangi Creek during the year 1968- 1971 revealed some trend of distribution (Table 5 and 6), which one could expect in advance, At Korangi Creek during the two years 1969 and 1970, when sampling was done through~ out the year with no breaks, the average number of penacid larva ceught per positive haul wes . ximum .t stat_on 3,7 of intermediate density at station 2 and lowest on station 1. This indicates that more larvae were caught near the mouth of the channel than away from it. Luring the other two years, 1968 and 1971, when sampling could not be conducted here throughout the year, the patterns of larval distribution were not consistent with the other years, In Manora Ghannel the pattern of distribution of penaeid larvae was not so clearcut as in Korangi Creek; a pattern, neverthles, did exist. During the years 1969- 70 the average number of larvae per positive haul was found to be the highest on station 2, eway from. the mouth of the channel, The same pattern existed in the year 1968, In- 84 4971 the pattern was altogether different. The maximum abwidance of penaeié larvae cn station 2, about 0.62 Km awa:’ from the mouth of Manora Channel may be attributable to the possibility that currents at the mouth of the channel or at station 3 may be so strong as to carry away the penaeid larvae rapidly towards station 2, ‘the shelf near the mouth of Manora Channel is deeper than on station 2 and 1, Moreover the channel is narrow and deep and is connected with the extensive low laying backwaters at the other end. This causes fast movement of water in the channel. The abundance of penaeid larvae near the mouth of Korangi creek, where the bottom is much shallower than near the moutt of Manors Channel may also indicate less swift tidal currents at station 3 in Kerangi Creek. Moreover, the creek is very wide and flat soas to reduce the water currents.- 85 - 6.3. Relative distribution and abundance of penaeid eggs, larvae_and postiarvae in Manora Channel and Korangi Creek. Eggs? The sizes of Penaeid eggs and their embryonic membranes (Hassan, 1980, 1982) are given in Table 7 and 8, which indicate that the eggs of Parapenaeopsis are generally larger than those of Penaeug and Metapenaens. Moreover, the perivitelline space is also much larger in the eggs of Parapenaeopsis (¢.21 mm) than in those of Penaeus (0.04 mm) and Metapenaeus (0,08 mm), Thia is true for the eggs found in plankton as woll ae for the eggs spawned in the laboratory. - No penaeid eggs were found in Manora Channel and Korangi Creek in the year 1968 probably due to the fact that in bota areas Plankton sampling was started in May. In the other sampling years (1969, 1970 and 1971) the eggs were caught in good numbers from January to March (Figure 20) and they were generally at an advance stage of development. Tt vas only during 1969 that they were also present in plankton samples in other months; such as in May, August and November in Manora Channel and in May August and September in Korangi Creek. It is not known whether the appearance of eggs in these inlets was incidantal or whether it indicated the spawning of penaeid shrimps in inshore waters close to the mouths of these inlets or within the inlets themselves,- 86 - Jn Manora Channel penaeid eggs were quite abundant in January and February of 1971 but only a few of them were found in March of this year (Pigure 20), In Korangi Creek the eggs were quite abundant during February and March in the year 1969, 1970 but appeared only in January of 1971, In both the localities eggs were most abundant in the month of February, In Manora Channel fewer eggs were caught in the year 1969 compared to the two remain- ing years 1970, 1971, In general, eggs of Penceus were found in much smaller numbers than those of the other two gerera (namely Metapenae- us and Parapenaeopsis).in both the localities and there was not muci. difference in their numbers in .iftereut yearu 0. sampling. Bgge of Metapenaeus and Parapenaeopsis were caught in good numbers in both the localities but their numbers were much higher in Korangi Creek during February and March, In Korangi Creek the highest number of eggs of Metapenaeus and Parapenaecopsia were found in 1970 while those of Penaeus dominated in 1971. In Manora Channel there was observed a gradual increase in the abundance of the eggs of Parapenasopsis from 1969 to 1971, while Metapenaeus eggs were most abundant in 1970, In Manora Channel, on the whole, eggs of Parapenaeopsis were the most abundant and amounted to 45.16 % of the total (Figure 26). Here, eggs of Metapenseus were the second ifost abundant and amounted to 37.10 %, whereas those of Penaeus= 87 - were the least so and formed 17,74 % of the entire lot obtained from this channel. A similar pattern of abundance was observed in Korangi Creek where the eggs of Parapenaeop~ gis, Metapenaeug and Penaeus amounted to 51.17, 40.12 and 8.71 %, respectively (Figure 27). Naupliar Stages: In the plankton samples available for study penaeid nauplii were fewest in number compared to other penaeid larvae (Figure 21), They amounted to 2,57 % or the total penaeid larvae caught from Manora Channel and Korangi Creek. This scarcity may be attributable to the fact that, at hatching, the nauplii are smaller than the eggs and are likely to escape through the meshes of the net during sampling. The average tody width of the nauplii approximated 0,15 mm to 0,22 mm while the mech size was 0.33 mm. Jm Menora Channel penaeid nauplii were caught during 1969 and 1970 only, while in Korangi Creek they occurred from 1969 to 1971, In Manora Channel they were caught from January to Mey and also is September, while in Korangi Creek they were caught from February to June. Like penaeid eggs they were present in good numbers in February and March, The occurrence of Penaeid nauplii in September 1970 indicates the spawning activity of some peraeids during this month off cr inside Manora Channel (Pigure 29). In Korangi Creek the nauplii occurred only during the period February to June (Figute 21), with major concentration in February, March and May.As far as their general abundance is concerned, nauplit of Parapenacopsis amounted to 38.28 % and those of Penaeus and Metapenaeus, respectively, 32.01 and 29.91 % of the total nauplii in Manora Channel. In Korangi Creek, on the other hand, the nauplii of Parapenaeopsia composed 56.5 X and those of Metapenaeus and Penaeus formed 32.5 and 11,0 %, reepectively, of the totel nauplii (Figures 27 and 28). Protozoeal Stages: in Manora Channel yenaeid protozoeae were found to be fairly abundant from January to November, with two peaks, one occurring in May-June and another during August to October (Figure 22). In Korang! Creek >~stozoeae w-re found from February to November, with the first peak lasting fron February to May and the second from September to October (Bigure 23). Protozoeae of Parapenaeopsis were more abundant then those of the other two genera in both the localities, They were generally caught from Jenuary to June and August to October, Protozoeae I were dominating durirg 1970, while protozceae II and III were abundant from 1964 to 1970 and the least so in 1971. Protozoeae of Metapenaeugs were caught in good number from May to June and in August of the yeera 1968 to 1970, while they were fewer during 1971. Protozoeae I to {Il of Penaeus were found in smaller numbers than those of th» other two genera in both the localities, Frotozcese- 89 - naeus were caught in good number from March to June and in September of 1970 but were absent from the samples in 1971. In Korangi Creek protozovae of Parapenaeopsis were abundant in 1969 and 1970 but were fewer in number during 1971 occurring until March only, They vere not found here in 1968, Protozoeae I of Metapenaeus were caught from February to June, protozoeae i1 from March to July and in September and protozoeae III from February to July, ‘he protozoeae of this genus were abundant in 1969 and 1970 but they were fewer in number in 1971, Penaeus protozoeae were caught in good number in 1969 but they were fewer in number in 1970 anc 1971, = - = In Manora Channel protozoeae I of Parapenaeopsis were the most abundant and amounted to 61,19 % while proto- zueae I of Penaeus were the Jeast so and amounted to only 10.10 % of the total; Metapenaeus protozceae I formed 28.71 % of these. The abundance of protozoese IT and IIT seemed to be a consequence of the abundance of protozoeae I in that the protozoese of the genera Parapenasopsis, Metapenaeus and Penaeus amounted to, respectively, 72.43, 19.12 and protozcea III 86,9, 11,9 and 1.17%, In Korangi Creek protozoeaeI of Parapenaeopsis amounted to 49.71 %, Metapenaeus 39.02 % and Penaeys 11,21 %, Similarty, protozoeae II of these genera formed 46,36, 41.69 and 11.95 X, respectively,= 90 - while protezceae TII amounted to 70.54, 22.44 and 7,01 vespectively (Figures 27 and 28). #igures 22 and 23 show that protozoeae of the three genera are much move abundant in the study areas throughout the year than eggs and neuplii (Pigure 20 and 21). One reason why these have shown up in larger numbers in the plankton samples may ve that because of their large size a greater number of these are retained by the plankton net, The other important observation about their distribution is that tney are relatively less abundant during the January - February period when egge and nauplii are more frequent. These observations point towards the advancement of larval development in the natural waters. A third point to be recorded here is the total absence or least atdance of protozceae in. the morth.of J7y. - - Myses Stages: In Manora Channel penaeid myses were found to occur from January to December (Figure 24), The major peak of abundance was recorded in the period August-September, whereas the minor and insignificant peaks occured in May, June and Octoter - December. In Korangi Creek the occurence of penaeid myses was recorded from January to December (Figure 25), The major concentration of myses, however, seemed to accur in the period April to June and the minor peaks in September- October.meee -9- As in the case of nauplii and protozoese, the myses of Parapenaeopsis were the most abundant end those of Metapenaeus and Penaeus occupied respectively the second aud third place in abundance, They amounted to 91.35, 7.61 and 1.05 %, respectively, of the total myses in Manora Channel (Figure 27), Here it is also interesting to note that in this channel most of the myses were caught in the second half of the year, whereas in the first half they composed only 5,5 % of the totel myses catch. ‘In Korangi Creek penaeid myses were mostly found during the period March to November but occurred only occasionally in February and December (Pigure 24), At this locality, on the whole, myses of Parapenaeopsis dominated and myses of Metapenaeus and Penaeus occupied the second and third positions (Figure 27). Their respective percen- tages were 64,0, 28.62 and 7.37. In Manora Channel Parapenaeopsis myses dominated those of the other two genera and their myses I were more abundant compared to myses II and III, Myses I were caught in 1968 (Sune, August and September), They were more frequent during 1369 when they appeared in the months of April, May and August to December, In 1970 they appeared only in October and Wovember, ‘Thie stage was abundant in the months of May, August and September, Parapenacopsis myses II were present only during 1969 to 1971, In 1969 they appeared in the-92- nonths of May, August-September and November-December, with ' the highest number in September (550); in 1970 they were present only during August, Cctober and November whereas in 1971 they vere present in small numbers in Januery and Match, Myses II} were caught in 1948, 1969 and 1970, In 1968 they were caught only in the month of August. In 1969 they were present in January, May, August-September and November-December, with a peak in Septembe. In 1970 very few myses were caught in the months of October and November, Metapenaeus myses I were more abundant compared to nyges II and ITI, Myses I of this genus appeared in 1968 (June, August and September), 1969 (in the months of January, April and May) and 1970 (August, September and November), with yeake during May-June «nd August-September, Myses 77 wove rare and appeared occasionally in 1968 (in the month of August only), 1969 (May) and 1970 (September, October and Noveuber). Myses III were also caught in small numbers in 1968 (in the month of July only), 1969 (May, August and November) and 1970 (September and November), It is interes- ting to note that in 1970 they appeared only in the second half of the year (August to November). In Manora Channel Penaeus myses I to IIT were vare and caught only in 1968 (June and September only) and 1969 (March, April, Gctoter and November) in very small numbers (igure 23), They also appeared in the month of November 1970.- 93 - In Korangi Creek also nyses of Parapenaeopsis were more abundant than myses of the other two genera (Figure 24). Myses I weve found from March and September to October of 1969, April of 1970 and April to June of 1971. In the remaining months they were present in small numbers and were altogether absent in January and December. Myses II and Myses III had a similar pattern of abundance but these stages were also abundant in 1968 when myses I was not found. The two stages were abundant from April to September of this year. Myses I of Metapenaeus were only present in the month of August and September in 1968, In 1969 they were present only in the first half of the year (March to June). During 1970 and 1971 this stage was present in good mumbers from ax ch to June, and aiso in November 1970, Generally, this stage was abundant from March to June and September and was encountered in greater numbers than myses II and III, Myses II like nyses I, were abundant from Merch to June and also frou September to October, This stage was caught in good numbers during 1969 and 1971. ‘The pattern of abundance was different in this stage; they were more abundant in the late summer (June to September) than in the early summer (March to May). This stage was abundant in 1968 (August- September), 1969 (June, August and Septemter) aud 1971 (April and June) whereas in the remaining months they were caught in small numbers. During 1970 they appeared poorly throughout the year, At this locality also myses of Penaeus were fewer in number than myses of the remaining two genera (Figure 24). During 1968 myses I of this genus were rresent=e in small numbers only in the month of December, In 1969 this stage frequently appeared in sumplea from March to July and September with a peak in the latter month. During 1970 the myses were present in March, April and June-July in very mall numbers, while in 1971 they were caugnt in greater numbers in April-May, Myses II and IIT of this genus were caught in much fewer numbers then myses I. They were present in 1968 (May) and 1969 (March and June). ‘They frequently appeared in April June-July and September‘of 1970, while in 1971 thie stage was present only in May. Myses III was present in 1968 (August and November), 1969 (June-July), 1970 (June, Swly and August) while in 1971 they were only present in May. Te abundance of penaeid myses can be summarised ty stating that the myses, in general, were better represented 4x, plankton samples than protozoeae in both the localities. There was also apparent a gradualshifting of the peaks of myses abundance from left to right in Figures 23 and 24. This larval stage occurred during the major part of the year with notable absence or scarcity during the colder part or the winter season, The myses stages were more abundant in Korangi Creek than in Manora Channel and those of the genus Parapenacopgis dominated.- 95 - Postlarval Stages: Pigure 26 shows the abundance of penaeid postlarvae in Kanora Channel and Zorangi Creek. ‘the significant finding of the present study is the observation that postlarvae of Parapenaeopsis were totally absent from the plankton samples collected from the two localities although those of Metapenae- ug and Penaeus were quite abundant, Judging from the size rarges of postlarvae caught at both the localities (Tables 2 and 4), the pestlarvae of Metapenaeus seemed to enter the inshore waters at a size of 2,8 mm to 3.9 mm, while Penaeus postlarvae seemed to enter at the sizes of 5.5 to 11.5 wm. - In Manora Channel Metapenaeus postlarvae were fewer in number than Penaeus postlarvae and formed 26.65 % of the total (Figure 27). Metapenaeus postlarvae vere very poorly represented in this locality and appeared only during 1969 jp the months of January, February and May to July. On the other hand Penaeus postlarvae appeared in this locality in significant numbers. They were frequent in the year 1969 when they appeared in the month of January and from May to Decenber. In 1969 they were present in July and August, whereas in 1971 they occurred in January, February and March only; in 1970 they were absent from plankton samples, ‘In Korangi Creek (Figure 28) both Metapenaeus: and Penaeus postlarvae were found to be abundant and amounted- 9% - to 52.65 % and 47.35 %, respectively, Metapenaeus postlarvac were caught in January and from March to November with a gap in August. They were quite abundant from April to September. Penaeus postlarvae were caught throughout the year with peaks in May, July-August and November-December. The post- larvae of both genera, like myses, were found to be abundant in Korargi Creek from May to December, Metapenaeus postlarvae were caught during 1968 in the menths of May, June and in September, being the most abundant in the latter month, in 1969 they were more frequent and appeared from March to July and September-Octover. They were most abundant in the month of September. In 197) they appeared only in the second half of tne year i.e. in June-July, September and November. They were most abundant during September. The absence of postlarvae in August may be correlated with the peak mensoon period when the sea becomes very turbulent. In 1971 the postlarvae were caught in January and March to June, the sampling having teen conducted only from January to June in 1971, Penaeus postlarvae at this locality were most frequent during 1969, when they appeared almost throughout theyear with a gap in September. ‘They were most abundant in July and December and also appeared in significant numbers in February, March, May, August and November; while in other months they were poorly represented. During 1968 the number-97- of Penaeus postlarvae were also high. They appeared from May to September and November (this year the sampling was only conducted from May to December), ‘They were most abundant in the months of Mey, August and November. During 1970 and 1971 they appeared occasonally and in insignificant numbers, In Manora Caannel Penaeys postlarvae contributed 73.35 % and those of Metapenaeus 26,65 % of the total postlarvae (Figure 27). In Korangi Creek (Figure 28) they amounted to 47.35 % and 52.65 %, respectively. It means that in Manora Channel Penaeus postlarvae were dominent whereas in Korangi Creek postlarvae of Metapenaeus were more ebundant. = 8. 4. Oenus-vise distribution of exes, larvae and postlar’ae of tie three genera Penaeus, Metapenaeus and Farapenaeopsis PENA US, Eggs: ‘The eggs of Penaeus were found from 1969 to 1971 but in mvch smaller numbers than those of the other two genera and amounted to 17.74 % in Manora Channel and only 8.71 % in Korangi Creek (Figures 20 and 27 to 29), They generally appeared in January to February in Manora Channel and in January to March in Korangi Creek with peaks in February at both the localities. In Manora Channel Penaeus eggs- 98 - were 13.41 % and in Korangi Creek 8,21 % of the total Penaeus eggs and larvae caught at the two localities. Nauplit: | In Manora Channel Penaeus nauplii (Figures 21 and 27 to 29) were caught from Janvary to May in 1969 and ia in January, March and September in 1970, In Korangi Creek Pengeus nauplii were much fewer in number than the other two genera and were caught in small numbers in 1969 (March and June), 1970 (February to April) and 1971 (February only). Protozoeae: Penaeus protozceae (Figures 22, 23 and 27 to 29) were geterasly caught from March to June aid Septewber. Dh. M. aora Channel they were abundant during 1966 and 1970, sut were absent from the samples in 1971, In Korangi Creek they were generally caught from March to June. In 1369 they were present in the samples in the months of March, May to June, September and October. In 1970 they occurred in the months of February, March, April, May, July and November, whereas in 1971 only in the months of March and June, They were not found in 1968, Nyses: Penaeus myses (Figures 24, 25 and 27 to 29) were rare in the samples in Manora Channel and appeared occaso- nally in 1968 (June and September), 1969 (March, April,-99 - October and Novenber) and in 1970 (November only). In Korangi Creek they were fairly represented in the samples in the first half of the year (Marci to June) while in the second half their appearence was poor and oceasional. Postiarvae: Penaeus post arvae (Figure 26) appeared in Mancra Channel in significant numbers in 1969 in the months of Janvary and from May to December, In 1968 they were present in July and August and in 1971 in the months of January, February and March only, while in 1970 they were absent in the samples. In Korangi Creek Penaeus postlarvae were most frequent in 1969, and appeared almost throughout the year with a gap in September. They were most avundant here in July and December and appeared in significant numbers in February, March, May, August and November, while in other months they were poorly represented. In 1968 the number of postlarvae were also high, appearing from May to September and November, This year they were wost abundant in the months of May, August and November. In 1970 and 1971 they appeared occasionally and in insignificant numbers. In Manora Channel on the whole Penaeus eggs and larvae (Pigure 19) were represented as follows: eggs 13.41 % nauplii 7.32 %, protozoeae 24.57 %, myees 6.28 % and postlarvae 48.43 % In Korangi Creek (Figure 29) they shoved the= 100 = following percentage: eggs 8.21 %, nauplii 2.54 %, protozoeae 14.34 %, myses 17.00 and postlarvae 57.92 %. METAPENAEUS Eggs: In Manora Channel, Metapenaeus eggs (Figure 20) were abundant from 1969 to 1971, In 1969 these were caught in tha months of January, February, May, August and November, with peaks in February and May, In 1970 the eggs were caught only from January to March with a peak in February. In Korangi Creek the eggs were more abundant compared to Manora Channel. In 1969 the eggs were present during Febreary, March, May and August-Septerber, sith a pak 0-4 in February. In 1970 the eggs were present only from January to March with a peak in February, while in 1971 these were only caught in February. Nauplii: In Manora Channel, Metapenaeus nauplii (Pigure 21) were caught only in 1969 and 1970. In 196$ the nauplii appeared in small numbers from January to April, with a peak in March, while they were only present in the month of September in 1970. In Korangi Creek, the eggs were present in 1969, in February, March, May and June with a peak in May; in 1970, in the month of February, March and May and in 1971, in the month of February only.= 101 = Protozoeae? In Manora Channel, Metapenaeus protozoeae (Figures 22 and 23) were caught in good numbers from 1969 to 1970, while they were caught in very small numbers in 1971 only in the month of March, In 1968 these larvae were caught in the month of June, August and September with veaks in June and September, In the year 1969 these larvae were present only in the first half of the year (March to May) with a peak in May. During 1970, the protozoeae were caught in good numbers in March, April, August and October-November, with peaks in the second half of the year i,e.; in August and October to November. - Im Korangi Cree: the prote soeae w re absent ix. .968,: while in 1971 they were caught only in the month of March. In 1969, these larvae were present from February to June and September, generally in the first half of the year, with a peak in May, In 1970 also, Metapenaeus protozoeae were generally caught in the first half of the year, with peaks in February and April. Myses: In Manora Channel, in 1968 Metaperaeus, myses (Figures 24 and 25) were caught in the months of June, August and September with a peak in the latter month, In the year 1969, they appeared in the months of January, April, May, August and November with a peak in May, In 1970, these larvae were= 102 = caught in the second half of the yeer (August to November) with a peak in August, In the year 1971, they appeared in the samples in very small numbers in the month of January and March only. In Korangi Creek in 1968, these larvae appeared in the samples from June to September with a peak in the latter month, In 1969 these larvae were more frequent and appeared from January to October with peaks in June, August and September, In 1970, the myses were present from March to June and September to November in small numbers. In 1971, these appeared in March, April and June with peake in April and June. In Mancra Jhawiel, Hetapenseus yostiarvae (Iigure 12) were very poorly represented and appeared only in 1969, in the months of January, February and May to June. In Korangi Creek Metapenaeus postlarvae were caught from May to July and September 1968, being most abrndant in the latter month. In 1969, they were more frequent and appeared from March to July and September to October, with a peak in September, In 1970 they were present only in the second half of the year i.e.; in June and July, September and November, with peak abundance during September, In Manora Channel (Figure 29) the percentage composi- tion of total eggs and larvae caught was as follows: eggs 14.54 %, nauplii 3.34 % protozoeac4$.32 %, myses 23.66 %= 103 = and postlarva? 9.12%. In Korangi Creek (Figure 29) eggs amounted to 16.84 %, Nauplii 3.35 %, Protozoeae 21.73 % myses 29. 41 % and postlarvae 28.68 K. PARAPENAEOPSIS Eggs: In Manora Channel Parapenaeopsis eggs (Figure 19) were absent in 1968, but were present in good numbers in the remaining years (1969 to 1971), In 1969, they appeared in the samples in the months of January, February, May, August and November with a peak in February and May. In 1970, the eggs were caught only in January-Fetuary with a peak in February, while 4) 1971 i.ey wer. co, lypresent from F.vruary to March with a peak in February. In Korangi Creek, the number of Farapenaeops.s eggs caught was much higher compared to Manora Channel, but they were absent at this locality during 1968. In 1969, they were caught in Pebruary-March, May, August and September, with peaks in February-March, In 1970 they appeared in maximum numbers in February-March and in significant numbers during January. In the year 1971 they appeared only in February in good numbers. Naupliit In Manora Channel, the nauplii (Figure 20) of Parapena- eopsis were few in number in 1969 (January to April) and inones = 1046 - 1970 (January and October). In Korangi Creek they were present in greater numbers, In 1969 the nauplit appeared in February-March and May-June; in 1970, from February to April and in 1971 they were caught only in the months of February and March, Protozceae: In Manora Channel, Parapenaeopsis protozceae (Figure 21 and 22) were caught in good numbers from 1968 to 1970. In 1968, they appeared in the months of May-June and August- September, with peaks in June and September, In 1559, these were caught in January, March to June and August te November, with peake in May and September, In the year 1970, they @ppcared from January to April, Aug.wt, Oétober anu Nvember, with peaks in August and October, In 1971, very few proto- zoeae of this genus were caught and these too in the month of March only. In Korangi Greek, the protozocae were absent in 1968, and were caught in very small numbers in 1971 in the month of March only. In 1969 they appeared from April to October and were abundant in May, September and October. In 1970 the protozoeae appeared from February to April, June, July and November with peaks in the first quarter of the year (February to April). Yyses: In Manora Channel, in 1968, myses (Figure 23) of Parapenaeopsis were caught in moderate numbers during January,= 105 = August and September with peaks in August and September. In 1969 they were caught in January, April, May, August, September and November-December with a very prominent peak in September and a less prominent peak in May. In 1970 they appeared only during March, August and October-November with a distinct peak in August. In 1971 these larvae were rare and only appeared in the months of January and March. In Korangi Creek myses of Parapenaeopsis (Figure 24) were caught more frequently than in Manora Channel, In 1968 they appeared in May, June, August and September with peaks in the latter month. In 1969 these occurred regularly from February to October with significant peaks in March, September and Uctober. In the years 1970 they were cuvzht feo. March to July and September to November with no significant peak. In 1971 they were caught from March to June with a peak in April and June. In Manora Channel and Korangi Creek (Figure 28) the percentage composition of eggs and larvae of Parapenaeopsis caught during the study period was as follows: in Manora Channel theyeggs were 3.21 %, nauplii 0.80 %, protozoeae 44,52 %, and mysee 51,47 %, in Korangi Creek the eggs were 16.48 %, nauplii 4.46 %, prctozoeae 28.61, and myses 50.45 %. No postlarvae of Parapenaeopeisa were found in plankton samples collected from Manora Channel and Korangi Creek during the study period (1968-1971). The absence of thees , s ie - 106 - postlarvae is difficult to expiain particularly when myses I to III of Parapenaeopsis were abundantly found in the two inlets. Whether the postlarvae immediately move out of the tvo inlets as soon as they are moulted from mysis III or settle down on the botton or suffer complete mortality are the 20usible reasons of their absence in plankton samples. The author thinks it likely that sinking of the postlarvae to the bottom may occur soon after moulting from mysis III, This may be the reason why Parapenaeopsig postlarvae are not caught in plankton nets towed below surface. It is also possible that the postlarvae cf Parapenaeopsis do not drift into the two inlets from the Arabian Sea indicating an avoij‘ance behavicur. - _ 8,5, DISCUSSION The appearance of penaeid eggs in plankton samples generally during late January to March both in Manora Channel and Xorangi Creek needs explanation. As mentioned earlier, the entire larval series cf local penaeids is completed, from egg to postlarvae, in a short period of about 16 days (Hassan, 1980 and 1982). Therefore, the abundance of any phase of penaeid larvae at any locality will indicate apaw— ning just two weeks prior, It means that penaeid eggs should also appear together with the larvae in the plankton samples. Moreover, in the present studies the plankton net used, had= 107 = a 0.33 mm mesh which is more or less equal to the size of penaeid eggs (generally the size of penaeid eggs ranges between 0,30 to 0.5 mm (Table 7). Therefore the escape of eggs from the plankton ne* may not be ruled out. It is mentioned in the literature on the spawning of penaeid shrimps that, in general, a majority of them spawn in the offshore waters (Gurney, 1924, Pearson, 1939), but that there are some penaeids which spawn close to shore (Bhimachar, 1963, Kirkegaard and Walker, 1970). Pearson (1939) algo mentioned, while dealing with the life history ané Gistribution of penaeid eggs and larvae in the Guif of Mexico (Florida) that occasionally schools of shrimps approach the coast and spawn close to inlets. The approach of penaeids near the coast may be related to the physico- chemical conditions prevailing in the area. Information available from the Arabian Sea (Zupanovic 1971, Golclobove and Grobov, 1969) indicates that the offshore migrations of penaeids occurring from January to March, in addition to spawning, are also undertaken for feeding purpose. Moreover, during January to March, the period following winter monsoon all the water layers are oxygenated and fertilized through nutrient replishment from the bottom, resulting in pnytoplankton blooms, Therefore, it could be assumed safely that the eggs cavght during the period January to March belonged to those penaeid females which spawned- 108 - close to shore while migrating to offshore waters. Both, phytoplankton blooms as well as increase in temperature may be conducive to spawning (in the study area the tempera- ture increases gradually from January onwards). The above fact is also supported by Bonnie et al (1965), who mentioned that rising temperature may trigger spawning at a definite point (suitasle for spawning) in younger females, whereas a decline will fail to do so, The absence of penaeid eggs in the plankton samples March onwards, indicates that the penaeids had migrated to a greater distance from tne shore for spawning, from where the eggs would require more time to reach the inlets and in the process would hatch out into a-uplii.w iv may further moult into advance larval stages. Moreover, it should be kept in mind that the eggs are demersal in nature and here they are exceptionally caught from the subsurface ayers because they are brought up due to the agitation of water by tidal currents (see also sunnary of the data; Figure 30a). In the present study (as also indicated by Pearson, 1933) very few nauplii were present in the plankton samples. This may have been due to several reasons, The nauplii might have escaped the meshes of the net as they were of smaller size than the mesh itself, This problem was also indicated ty Munro et al (1968). Moreover, in the laboratory, the present author observed that penaeid nauplii, after= 199 = vigrous movements which they make to move upwards towards Light, sink down motionless with relaxed appendages, until they touch the bottom of the bowl, Tis sinking habit may be helpful to nauplii in avoiding the net operated hori- zontally in the subsurface layers. The general scarcity of eggs (except January-March period) and nauplii which was noted ia Manora Channel and Korangi Creek 1s also indicative of the possibility that the spawning grounds of local penaeids exist at some distance from these inlets, as mentioned earlier. The nortality rate in protozoeal stages was very high as observed by the author in the laboratory (Hassan, 1990) and this may also be true for the natural waters. Probably this results in two way decrease in numbers in the protozoeal phase, one through moulting to mysis phase and another through excessive mortality while drifting towards the coast. It was also observed ty the author that in Manora Channel and Korangi Creek the bottom silt rises to the surface layers due to tidal agitation, This was evident from the fact that it wae found deposited on the setae of protozoeae, resulting in the sinking and mortality of these stages. ‘The penaeid myses and postlarvae were found to be hardier and they seemed to with-stand these conditions before, In the present case scarcity of protozoeae could not be atriduted to escape from the meshes of the net, as the bredth of the protozceae were greater than the meshes of the net- 110 - itself, However, in Manora Channel the postlarvae of Penaeus and Metapenaeus were very few probably because they were avoiding the channel due to high pollution prevailing jn the channel (Haq, 1976; Ahmed, 1977). The early larvae of Penaeus were caught in much less numbers than the postlarvae, This probably indicates that the spawning grounds of Pengeus shrimps are located at greater depths, Due to this reason the larvae of Penaeus shrimps probably enter the inlets only as postlarvae as suggested by Khandker (1970) for Venezuelan waters. The abundance of Metapenaeus and Parapenaeopsis larvae in the two inlets on the other hand indicates that some opecies if not all belon- ging to the above two eenera spawn closer tc th-se inlets. In Manora Channel the larvae and postlarvae of the three genera were caught in fewer numbers than in Torangi Creek, The former locality is a very busy international sea port subjected to heavy oil discharge from ships, and also moet of the sewage discharge from Karachi city is diverted to this channel, a wast variety of pollutants were mixed continuously in the locality (Haq, 19763 Ahmed, 1977). Probably due to these reagons the larvae and postlarvae may be avoiding this locality, or they may face heavy mortality as they enter in this locality. One of the important finding of the present study is the observation that, while the early larvae of Parapenaeopsis were most abundant in Manora Channel and Korangi Creek, the211 = postlarvae were totally absent frem these inlets, ‘The absence of these postlarvae is difficult to explain parti- cularly when myses I to III of this genus are abundantly found in the two inlets, Whether the postlarvae immediately move ovt of the two inlets as soon as they are moulted from nysis III or sink to the bottom or auffer complete mortality is difficult to say, The author favours the possibility that sinking of the postlarvae may occur to the bottom after they are formed by the moulting of mysis III, ‘the moulting of mysis III may also occur near the bottom so that postlarvae ef Perapenaeopsis would just not be present in the subsurface layers to be caught by a plankton net. Since the postlarvae of Penaeus and Metapenaeus were fairly represented in the two areas it becomes eviaen. that tney do not acquire benthic life ay quickly as the Parapenaeopsis postlarvae and remain petagic (Kemp, 1915) for longer periods. This is the reason why they are caught significantly by the plankton net, The other explanation for the absence of Parapenaeopsis postlar- vae is that, the postlarvae purposely avoid the waters of the two inlets, Kirkegaard and Walker (1970) mentioned that the larvae and juvenile of Parapenaeopsis sculptilis are found in the Normam River, Queensland, Australia and the Hooghly Estuary, India (Bnimachar, 1963). Protozoeae vere found in salinities of 30 to 32 %6, and juveniles further upstream in water below 5 %o in the Norman River Australia, Kirkegaard, in his personal communication to the author has= 112 + indicated that, in general, he found postlarvae and juveniles of B, sculptilis extending right up the Norman River, for 50 miles, into waters of about 1 to 2 Xo salinity. This indicates that the postlarvae of this species live in very low salinities, On the other hand F, stylifera as reported by Mohammed et al (1967) completes its life cycle in the marine environments without entering the estuaries at any stage of its life, Therefore, the absence of the postlarvae in the tvo inlets may also ve due to hypersaline conditions prevailing in the two localities for most of the year. The author (Hassan, 1973) observed that the postlarvae belonging to the above genus die after moulting from mysis III at temperatures between 27 to 29°C and salinities of 36,0 to 36.5 %, This also indicater that-th= sostlarve> covld r-t withstand high temperatures so vell. The postlarvae, there- fore, may be able to swim against the tidal currents due to their well developed appendages and maintain their position in the open shelf where comparatively moderate temperature and salinity prevails, The appearance of penaeid eggs in significant numbers during January to March could not be the only indicator of spawning seasons, As mentioned earlier the ertire larval series cf local penaeids is completed, from egg to postlarvae, ina short period of about 16 days (dassan, 1980 and 19€2). Therefore abundance of any phase of penaeid larvae will certainly indicate spawning just two weeks earlier to it at ‘the maximum, ‘Therefore, ali the phases in the life history11k e of penaeids are equally important and are to be taken as a whol in demarcating the spawning seasons of different species. The larval stages of Penaeus were generally very poorly represented in the study area throughout the study period, although a good indication of the spawning activity of this genus was provided by the influx of postlarvae in Korangi Creek during the period 1968-1969. In 1968 they appeared in cignificant numbers from May to September and November with peaks in May, August and November (as the sampling was only conducted from May to December in this year). During 1969 they were caught in good numbers through- out the year with peaks ir July and December In Manore Cnannel peaks were recorded in 1969 during the months of January, June and August. Penaeus postlarvae therefore had two distinct peaks one major during the southwest monsoon and another minor during the northeast which probably indicate the peak spawning seasons. This tendency in which the Penaeus postlarvae were found abundant during winter months was also exhibited ty P. duorarum, in the Gulf of Mexico (Bonnie et ale 1963) + The eggs of Metapenaeus were abundant in both the localities during February-March. The nauplii appear distinctly during February to May. ‘The protozoval phase~ 114 - of this genus were caught abundantly during May, August and Octeber from Manora channel and February-May in Korargi Creek, The myses stages were most abundant in August-Septem— er in Manora Channel and March to June and September in Korangi Greek, The postlarvae were abundant during April t6 July, September and Novenber in Korangi Creek and only in January in Manora Channel, The spawning in this genus also seemed to continue as in genus Penaeus throughout the year with peaks gunerally from April to September, which is correlated with the southwest monsoon in the northern Araoian Sea, The highest abundance of postlarvae (Figure 26) indicate a intensive breeding during Ausuat-September. According to Zupanovic (1971), M. monoceros breeds in the Pakistani waters during Februsry toMy; M.-af: _) eds during October to April with peaks during February to March; the spawning seasons of the other two species inhabiting the area (M. stebbengi and M. brevicornis) are not known. Similarly, in this genus also, in the present studies the eggs were abundant in both the localities during Februay- March, ‘The highest number of protozoeae of this genus were recorded during February, May-June, August, September and October, while they were present in significant numbers during January to April in both the localities. The highest number of mysis was found in August and September in Manora Channel, while a continued abundance from April to September was evident in Korangi Creek. Therefore in the Pakistani= 115 = waters this genus appears to breed throughout the year with a minor peak in Fetruary and April to July and followed by a major peak during August to October. Very little infor~ mation is available in the literature regarding the spawning seasons of the genus Paravenaeopsis. PB. stylifera seems to ve the most abundant species of this genus in the northern Arabian Sea (Ahmed, 1977). ‘The breeding season of this species of Parapenaeopsis is given by different authors. Zupanovic (1971) reported spawning season of this species during February-March and October. Karim and Rehman (1975) indicated peak spawning season from October to December; in their samples mature specimens weré present in large numbers _ (10-80 %) during July to Septemt r. Mohamme? (1967) x. ported spawning in P. hardwickii from October to February from Bombay waters. Ahmed (1980) has summarized the breeding seasons from the available literature on different species of the three commercial genera inhabiting the northern Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean namely Penaeus, Metapenaeus and Parapenaeopsis. According to him Penaeus merguiensis breeds in Pakistani waters from December to April with peaks in Jenuary-February, Penaeus penicillatus from October to May, Penaeus indicus from February to April (Pakistan), and generally from October to June with peaks during November-December and February to April. Netapenaeus affinis breeds in Pakistani waters during October to April with peaks in February-March, In the Indian- 116 = waters this species breeds continuously wih peaks generally curing November to April. Metapenaeus monoceros breeds in the Pakistani waters during February to May and in the Indian waters all the year round with peaks in July-August and November-December. Parapenacopsis stylifera breeds in the Pakistani waters in February, March and October, ir the Indian waters from September to February and May with peaks from October to January, Parapenaeopsis hardvickii breeds in the Indian waters from Cototer to February. The percentages of penaeid larvae caught in each month during the present study is very important for the assesment of the apawning activity of penaeids in different months of the year, Here both the localitiee were shown together with all the years vombineu (Figure 5). From the figure it is evident that Penaeus larvae were caught significantly during January, March and April, which indicate a distinct winter- spring spawning tendency in this group besides a peak spawning in sumer months (August and September). Metapenaeug larvae were less significant during winter but were abundant during spring (March to May) and: summer (August and Septem- ver), Therefore in this group a tendency of spring and summer spawning 1s more pronounced. On the other hand in Parapenacopsis both winter and spring breeding were over shadowed by intensive summer breeding, Figure 30 provides a good picture of abundance of larvae and postlarvae of the three genera in different<7 - months of the year which could be compared to the hydrogra- phic conditions prevailing during these months in the study area (Figure 7 and 12), As stated earlier ( page 30) temperature in both Manora Channel and Korangi Creek rises from February onwards. The highest temperatures were genera- My encountered during June-July (30°C), while a moderately high temperature (<30°C) prevailed during August-September. Moreover salinities were also generally lower during this period. In the present study as indicated above the highest abundance of larvae and postlarvae was encountered during August and September, Therefore, it could be said that the hydrographic conditions prevailing in the study area during this period are suitable for spawning of penaeid shrimps and consequently for the abundance of their larvae and pestlarvae in the study area, However it should be kept in mind that spawning in penaetd shrimps occur in the open shelf where a comparatively moderate temperature and salinity range prevails, According to Wyrtki (1971) surface tempera- tures in the Arabian Sea range from 23 to 29°C and surface salinity from 36.0 to 36.5 Xo, during a year, 8.6. SUMMARY ‘The eggs were abundant only during the January-March period in the two'salt water inlets, and were generally scarce in the rest of the period, ‘The abundance of eggs only during this period may have several implications, These eggs may- 118 = belong to those penaeid species which spawn close to shore and therefore their eggs could reach these salt water inlets with the tidal currents, or they may belong to those penaeid species which occasionally approach the coast and spawn close to inlets, Or the eggs may have belonged to those penaeid females which spawn close to shore at an early stage while migrating to offshore waters for spawning and feeding, The nauplii were algo caught significantly during February-March and May. ‘The reason for their scarcity in the vest of the period seems to te the same as explained above, In addition to this the smailer size of the nauplii as compared to the meshes of the net (0,33 mm) may be helping them to scape the net. These probably are the auses for Poor catches of penaeid nauplii in the study area, Me scarcity of eggs and nauplii in general and those of genus Penaeus larvae in particular in the study area suggest the possibility that the spawning grounds of the penaeids are located at some distance from these inlets. The eggs and nauplii had generally metamorphosed into late larval stages as they reach these salt water inlets. Moreover, the bree- ding grounds of genus Penaeus seems to be located at greater distance from the coast (as their postlarvae were more abundant than their larvae) as compared to other two genera. Therefore, most of the larvae of this genus seems to be transformed into postiarvae befure reaching the coast.- 119 - Moreover, protozoeae generally were also not as abundant as myses and postlarvae. This may have been due to moulting to the mysis phase as well as through excessive mortality while drifting towards the coast. However, the influx cf protozceae, myses and postlarvae of the three genera in the two Salt water inlets were significant except Farapenaeopsis postlarvae, In Manora Channel the larvae and postlarvae of the three genera were caught in fewer numbers than in Korangi Creek. Probably they were avoiding the channel due to highly polluted environments prevailing in the channel. The abundance of protozoeae, mvses and pottlarvae of the three genera combineu for the period 1y68-77 are summarized in the following lines, The protozorae were abundant from February to June and August to November, the highest numbers veing caught in May, September and October, ‘The myses appeared in significant numbers during March to October, they were abundant during April, May, June, Auguct, September and October, The Postlarvae of Penaeus and Metapenaeus appeared from January to December and significantly in January and May to December, The highest abundances were recorded in January, August, September, November and December. While the eggs and nauplii of the three penaeid genera wore found mostly during the dry season or vhen precipitation was at the minimum (January to March and May) the advanced= 120 ~ larvae were more abundant during the rainy season of the southwest monsoons when salinities usually decrease along the coast. The myses and postlarvae were particularly more abundant during the southwest monsoon season, The distribution of various larval forms of the local penaeids, therefore, seems to occur in two peak periods during the year, namely the pre-July and post-July periods. Larvae were either avsent or very few in number in the month of July of different years, The postlarvae of Metapenaeus and Penaeus were fairly abundant in both Manora Channel and Korangi Creek but those of Parapenaeopsis were totally absent. Lurapenacopsis seems to be the mo.t abihuant génus vf~ penaeid shrimps in the local waters in view of the great abundance of its eggs, nauplii, protosoeae and myses stages, Ite postlarvae were, however, absent from these localities where they had presumably confined themselves to the bottom of the adjacent shelf.= 4121 = Table 2. Mean 3ize and standard deviation of different larvel stages of tie genus Penaeus obtained from natural plankton and the mean size aid standard deviation of different larval stages of PB. semisuleatys reared in the leboratory. Larval Stages Number of Mean size & Size range 2B. semisuleatu of genus larvae Standard mm yeared in the Penaeus examined deviation Lab. (Hassan, Yr mm 1982) mm Protozoea = at Ke. 4643 (1.0-1,5) %. 1,10 8. + 0.90 8. 0,19 Pr. Ii 18 Re 159 (1.3-1.3) % 60 7 + + 0.22 8. + 0,13 Protozoea III 24 Ke 2.34 (1.6-2.8) %. 2.40 8. + 0.29 Be £0615 ‘ysis L 20 X. 2.90 (2,.3-3.4) %. 2.91 8. + 0.22 8. + 0.18 Mysis II AT xX. 3.98 (3.7-4.4) K. 3,99 8. + 0.32 8. + 0.10 Mysis IIL 20 X. 4.50 (B.T-5.1) Ke 461 8. + 0.42 8. 4 0.13 Postlarva 47 K. 8.29 (5.5-11.5) X. 6.06 8. + 1.39 8. 4 0.57 a- 122 - Table 3. Mean sizes and standard deviation of different larval stages of the genus Metapenaeug obtainea from natural plankton and mean size of different larval stages of M. affinis reared in the laboratory. Larval Stages Number of Mean size Size range MM. affinis nim of genus larvae & Standard Teared in the Metapenaeug examined deviation lab. (Hassan, N nn 1980). am Protozoea I 26 0.89 (0,7-1.2) %. Oat o.14 Ss. 0.c4 ifs Protozoea II 19 4.1700 (4.4-1.04) 1.23 0.19 8. + 0.04 Protozoea III 21 x. 1.7 (1,5-2.1) 1475 8.40.21 s. + 0.04 Mysis I 2 XK. 2425 (1,6-2.6) 2.12 3. + 0.30 8. + 0.08 Mysis It 20 %. 2.47 (1.7-2.9) &, 2.78 3. + 0.28 8. + 0,09 ysis MI 25 KR. 3.03 0 (2.5-7.3) K. 3.15 8. + 0.31 8.40.14 Postlarva 38 Ke 5.34 (2.8-3.9) 3.34 8. 0,28 8. + 0.15= 123 - Table 4. Mean size and standard deviation of different larval stages of the génue Perapenaeopsis obtained from natural plarkton and the Mean size and stendard deviaticn of different larval stages of BP, stylifera reared in the laboratory. Larval stages Number of Mean size & Size range P, stylifera of genus larvae Standard mm Foanel inthe Parapenaecpsis examined aeviation laboratory N mm mn Protozoes I 22 Re 1,02 (0.7-1.2) %, 0.70 gs. + 0.22 8. + 0.03 Frote-ses IT 33 %. 1.32 (0.9-1.7) 1.22 4 0.33, 8. + 0.04 Protozses III 35 Re ATT (1.3-2.0) 1,60 8. + 0.34 0.05 Mysis 1 47 x. 2.48 (2.0-3.0) %. 2,80 s. + 0.43 8. + 0.06 ysis II 44 + 3.46 (2.14.2) %. 3,25 8. + 0.57 s. + 0,08 Nysis III 3 KE. 4.26 (3.34.6), 3.50 8. + 0.39 £6.40 Postlarva - RX. 3.75 (reared in lab.) s. 40,12= 124 = dable 5. Number of Zooplankton hauls and penaeid eggs and larvae collected from three stu: ons in Manora Channel. Year Stations Zooplankton Positive Total eggs otal Average Average = Average Average eR of hauls hauls caught larvae number number of number of Bum caught of eggs/ larvae/ eges/Posi- larvaefPosi- haul haul tive haut tive haul 1968 I 13 5 - “72 - 5.62 - 14.60 a 13 5 - 219 - 16.85 - 43.80 III 10 4 - a1 - 9.10 - 22.75 Total 36 14 - 382 - 10.64 - 27-36 1969 1 a 4 114 2185 3.93 75.34 8.44 156.07 ir z 10 68 1820 2.34 62.7 6.80 182.00 ur 27 7 67 522 2.48 19.33 9.57 14.57 Total 85 31 249 1527 2.93 53.26 8.03 146.03 1970 I 2 9 17 203 0.81 9.67 1,89 22.55 i at 8 10 328 0.48 15.62 1,25 41.00 III 18 5 29 164 1,61 9.11 5.80 32.80 Total 60 22 56 695 0.93 11.58 2.54 34.60 1971 I 9 2 20 4 2.22 0.44 10.00 2.00 It 8 3 32 15 4.00 0.63 10.67 4.67 III 9 2 42 26 4.67 2.89 21.00 13.00 Total 26 7 94 35 3.62 1.35 13.43 5.00- 125 - le 6. Number of Zooplankton hauls and penaeid eggs and larvae collected from three stations in Korangi Creek. Year Stations Zooplankton Positive ‘Total ‘otal Average Average _— Average Average hauls hauls eges |. srvae number of number of number number caught caught eggs/haul larvae/ of eggs/ of larvae/ haul positive positive haul haul 1968 I 12 1" - ait - 17.58 - 19.20 I 13 4 - 201 - 15.46 - 18.27 ur 12 10 - 143 - 11.92 - 14.30 Total 37 32 - 355 - 15.00 - 17.34 1309 t 36 30 147 71 4.08 21,58 4.90 25.90 II 35 28 88 912 2.51 26.06 3.14 32.57 IL 35 29 5 1033 1.86 29.51 2.24 35.62 Total 106 87 300.2722 2.83 25.68 3.45 31.29 1970 f 42 40 283 132 6.74 17.4 7.08 18.3 I 40 30 287 “57 7.18 16.42 9.57 21,90 Lil 20 15 197 389 9.85 19.45 13.13 25.93 Total 102 85 767 1778 1.52 47.43 9.02 20.92 1971 T 18 11 n 168 3.94 9.33. 6.45 15.27 cea 18 10 118 134 6.55 7644 11,80 13.40 II 12 10 831 139 6.92 11.58 8.30 13.90 Tctal 48 Bt 272 441 5.67 9.49 8.77 14.22= 126 = Table 7. Measurements of penaeid eggs made in the present study. Egg membrane Babryonic membrane Diemeter (mm) Diameter (mm. A B c A B c =30 32 044 222 228 22 +30 232 49 +22 +28 +23 +30 +32 “49 +22 +28 223 +30 +32 251 +22 +26 +25 +30 132 42 +22 =26 122 +30 +32 +40 +22 +28 221 +30 +34 45 +22 +26 224 230 +32 +39 +22 +26 +26 +28 +32 +39 222 +28 227 +30 «30 40 +24 226 «19 +30 +79 45 222 226 24 +30 +0 +40 +20 26 23 +30 +30 45 +22 624 224 +30 +30 -40 24 +26 +22 30 +30 +40 422 +26 +22 +30 230 345, 22 +26 223 +30 +30 45 24 +26 +22 +32 +30 245 124 +26 +23 32 +30 +40 224 +26 +20 +32 332 +40 222 +28 222 +30 232 248 124 +26 +26 +30 +30 =40 +22 +28 -20 28 +32 50 +22 +28 +23 +30 +32 +40 12% +26 +20 -30 +30 +49 +22 226 +25 Zz .30 231 +44 +22 +27 +25 s 204 01 +04 01 01 202 Xo: Mean A. Metapenaeus affinis S : Standard deviation B, Penaeus semisulcatus C. Parapenaecpsis styliferaTable 8. Measurements of penaeid eggs given by other authors, Author Heldet, 1938 Gurney, 1927 Pearson, 1939 Hudinaga, 1942 Menon, 1951 Cook & Murph:r, 1965 Cook & Murph:r, 1971 Rao, 1973 Kurata & Pusadee, 1974 Boschi & Scelzo, 1974 Fielder et al. WIS 2 Egg membrane Parapenaeus longirostris - Solenocera membranacea .244 -..256 Sicyonia carinata - Penaeopsis stebbingi .32 - Penaeus setiferus 28 = Trachyzenaeug contrictus 26 _ Eusicyonia stimpsoni .22 - Penaeus japonicus 226 = Metapenaeus dobsoni 330 - Sicyonia brevirostris .23 - Penaeus aztecus 226 = Parapenaeopsis styiifera .40- Metapenaeus burkenroadi .48 - Artemesia longinaris .27 = Penaeus esculentue +306 - A 356 +32 +28 244 $432 45 Bubryonic embrane Diameter) um, Species (Diameter) am. Penaeus trisulcatus 254 - .316 Fenaeus japonicus +260 - .281 +230 - .250 +230 ~ 6238 1226-0 = 1219 = 232 +21 = 227 (embryo) +26 - (embryo" 24 = 226 +23 = 225 2215 - 425Figure 20. = 128 ~ Abundance of eggs of the three genera Penaeus, Metapenaeus and Parapengeopsis in Manora Channel and Korangi Greek.NUMBER OF EGGS /s00M } 1968 [_] 1969 E1970 MANORA CHANNEL PARAPENAEOPSIS 1971 cl ie a o METAPENAEUS pn fo El ns a O PENAEUS: A (Bl __. _I KORANG! CREEK PARAPENAEOPSIS. ai : J (| n 4 METAPENAEUS. E i 5 ll Loo PENAEUS: Cll ro JAN FE@ MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC= 130 - Figure 21. Abundance of Nauplii of the three genera Penaeus, Metapenaeus and Pareperaeopsis in Manora Channel and Korangi Creek,3 / 500M NUMBER OF NAUPLIT Peon 1968 MANORA CHANNEL [7 ag6q 3 1970 Hy 4971 PARAPENAEOPSIS: a! mf foo veurewes Loo ff on E Soa ha 8 KORANGI CREEK PARAPENAEOPSIS Ea: METAPE sacus Penaeus oeFigure 22. - 132 - Abundance of protozoea I, If and III of tue three genera Penaeus, Metapenaeus and Parapenasopsis: in Manora Channel; A = protozcea I, B - protozoea II, ¢ - protozcea III,NUMBER OF PROTOZOEA /500M perm ne 30 20 10 30 20 10 30 20 10 30 20 10 30 20 10 20 10 30 20 10 30 20 10 30 20 10 Be. fl MANORA CHANNEL PARAPENAEOPSIS. 2 i: a 1968 {_} 1969 1970 Yrsz7 METAPENAEUS. 70 am || B ° im ° Tm je ITTTLATD 0 Mims [Tonos PENAEUS PARAPENAEOPSIS 119 rq = cB. METAPENASUS, sil ca | PENAEUS e fan © Tom © jp PARAPENAEOPSIS a | 2 alg > METAPENAEUS, a ol fo ons oe: Too mon ons PENAEUS. lao JAN FERS MAR APR MAY JUN ECPigure 23, s - 134 - Abundance of protozoea 1, II and III of the three genera Penceus, Metapenaeug and Parapenseopsi in Korangi Creek; A - protozvea I, B = protozoea II, € - protozoea III.KURANOL URKEER PARAPENAEOFSIS 30 9 20 U ST Bh Lio fl fl . _ 30 c METAPENAEUS J1968 2 Jis69'° nom fel (Lh &8 41970 39 c PENAEUS fi 2 | oo) 10 — | om Oe = 3 NUMBER OF PROTOZOEA /500M 30 PARAPENAEOPSIS 20 10 a METAPENAEUS. 30 8 20 10 30 8 PENAEUS 20 ‘yoo Omen i]s 30 PARAPENAEOPSIS 20 10 30 A 20 10 METAPENAEUS. HM Ns | LD 30 A PENAEUS 20 10 i] i JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC- 136 = Figure 24, Abundance of mysus of th: Metapenaeus and Parapenaeopsis in Manora ‘Channel; A - mysis I, B - mysis II, ¢ ~ mysis ITI. nee genera Penaevs,1968 MANORA CHANNEL 1969 3 1970 lis71 30{ PARAPENAEOPSIS 26 fl o 39 | METAPENAEUS 20 10 a 304 PENAEUS 20 10 $80 8 30) PARAPENAEOPSIS U 20 °S o 10 . 5 [| } * _m O H S30] METAPENAEUS 8 vn Ww 20 2 10 z 4 Ao mo. % 39] PENAEUS 8 oe 20 10 qo 3 = Z A 304 PARAPENAENOPSIS. 20 1s 10 A a i =I O 304 METAPENAEUS _ A 20 10 LO OL A 30] PENAEUS A 20 10- 138 - Figure. 25, sbundance uf myses of th: chree cenera-funueus; Metapenaeus and Parapenaeopsie in Korangi Creek; A - nysis 1, B - mysis Il, © - mysis IIT.somnmueaens: a NUMBER OF MYSES /500M 20 10 3¢ 20 10 30 10 30 20 10 30 10 20 10 30 20 10 KORANGI CREEK ‘| 1968 1969 46 45 60 72 c PARAPENAEOPSIS i i i] 1970 ul J (Mil tinal fi " (Ure Bos METAPENAEUS. ij c cen [] ct Li il Th c= & PENAEUS c ao{L_o fl a B PARAPENAE OPSIS 4h cB eel. flail cl 8 METAPENAEUS 8 om {| {La PENAEUS B - sf 2 A PARAPENAEOPSIS 4 i B dl [5 a METAPENAEUS. PENAEUS la ul L__1 sal JAN FEB MAR APR May JUN JUL- 140 = Pigure. 26. Abundance of postlarvae of the two genera Penaeus and Metapenaeus (Parapenaeopsis postlarvae were not recorded) in Manora Channel and Korangi Creek. .1968 1969 1970 x 2 semmesing 3 d oq E a x Z 4 { é g a 3 S cH ds é 5 s 2 4 co; S 3 4 Ss = g * : z Q G #8 x : 3 4 § ca [ Ge 1 No0s / SVANY] LSOd 30 Y3EWNN 00S / SVANV7 LSOd JO YS8WNN nares nelle- 142 = Figure 27. Percentage composition of different larva] stages of the three genera Penaeus, Metapenaeug ana Parapenaeovsis in Manora Channel.O PENAEUS Gh METAPENAEUS & PARAPENAEOPSIS %) MANORA CHANNEL 100= 146 = Pigure 28, Percentage composition of different larval stages of the three genera Penaeus, Metapenacus anc Parapenaeopsis in Korangi Creek.te 100 KORANGI CREEK Li ree : Deo) oI oI Eggs Naoup Prt] Prt Prt Myl My MyM PLFigure 29. Compare tive percentage of different larval stezes of the three genera Penaeus, Metapenaeus and Parapenaeopsis. fier erC1 PENAEUS [J METAPENAEUS 3 PARAPENAEOPSIS y,| MANORA CHANNEL o BA cel Prt 1 Prt il Prt Mylo Myll Mylll PL KORANGI CREEK fi co Eggs Naup Prt I Prt 1 Prt i My 1) My fl MyM PLFigure 30. = 148 - The percentages of penaeid larvae caught in each month during the present study in Manora Channel and Korangi Creek. Here both the localities were shown togather with all the years comoined,PENAEUS 60) METAPENAEUS -~----- PARAPENAEOPSIS —-—-—- ns MONTHSFigure 30a. Summary of the data on abundance of penaeid eggs, larvae and pestlarvae *. nora Channel and Korangi Creek during 1963-1971.POOR APPEARANCE MODERATE ABUNDANCE Zi PEAK ABUNDANCE = MONTH J FMAM J J A 5 OND PEN £66 NAU PRT _ YS PL. META EGG NAU PRT En MYS PL. [ E PARA EGG QZ7EEBEZ NAU I a PRT i ZZ MyYS mae Yi, Yi, Bi:- 194 - CHAPTER III 10. DISTRIBUTION AND ABUNDANCE OF THE JUVENILES OF PENAEID SHRTMPS IN THF WATERS ARO'ND KARACHT.- 195 = "0.1. INTRODUCTION It is a well known fact that most penaeid shrimps spawn in offshore waters (Gurney, 1910; Pearson, 1939) and their larvae get displaced to the inshore areas with tidal currents. In the process they moult jato postlarvae and enter into vackweters and creeks which serve as nursery areas for their farther growth, They remain within inshore waters for several months (Idyll, 1965; Huges, 1972) and during this period undergo rapid growth, before returning to offshore waters as subadults or adults, he migration of postlarve and juveniles to the inshore areas if correi.ted wich several “actors such as shelter, rich supplies of 200d, lower salinities and higher temperatures (Idyll, 1965). Inorder tc suppliment the work done in the present study on the distribution and abundance of penaeid larvae and post- larvae in the inshore waters (i.e; Manora Channel and Korangi Creek) and in the coastal waters of Pakistan, it was considered worthwhile to gather some information on the abundance and distribut:on of juvenil penaeids in the creeks and backwaters around Karachi. The information will be useful in determining the seasonal abundance of the juveniles of different species ofpenaeids as well as help in throwing light on their growth, maturity, and migration in the study area. Te sampling procedure for this aspect of the study has already been outlined in the "Material and Method" section of this thesis hut it may be useful to point out here that the author had undertaken exploratory surveys prior to tae initiation of the actual study with a view to know the influx of penaeid juveniles in Korangi Creek, with the help of a beach seine net (unpublished). This sampling had shown that penaeid juveniles were quite abundant in this creek, particularly in waters as shallow as half to 1 meter in the shallow channels formed after the receding of tides, It was also observed that the postlarvae ana j.venile. accumiatvd at the edges of such channels. Similar observations were earlier reported by Hughes (1966) who indicated that juveniles of P. semisulcatus, P. monodon, P. indicus and M. monoceros preferred shallow waters and were always found to accumulate on the margins of the channels. 10.2. GRownH RATES Before proceeding to discuse the size frequencies of the juveniles of different penaeids in the study area a short account of their growth rates (Figure 40) is presented below. This would- 197 - facilitate in assessing the age of the juveniles when caught and in deducing the approximate time when they were spawned. The criteria were developed by the author (Hassan, 1980, 1981) during his work on the rearing of these shrimps in the laboratory. The shrimp M. affinig was found to grow 6.0 cms in 153 days (0.39 me/day). M. monoceros exhibited more or less the same growth rate, while M. stebbingi showed a growth of 4.6 cms in 127 days (0.36 mn/day). P. semisulcatus grew faster than the former species attaining 5.0 cms in 60 days (0.83 mm/day) (Figure 40), The author is, however, of the openion that growth rates in “he natural environment would be higher and feels it safe to prestue that these woula approximate to 1.0 um/day in different species of Penaeus, 0.5 mn/day in M, affinis and M. monoceros and 0,46 mm/day in M, stebbingi. 19.3, MBTAPENAZUS STERBENGI NOBILI Size frequency distribution and abundance It has been mentioned on page 95 that the postlarvae of Metapenaeus enter the local inshore waters when 2.5 to 3.5 mm in total length and 0.85 to 0.9 mm in carapace length. The smallest and largest juveniles of this species (Table 10)~ 198 - collected from the four localities, namely, Korangi Creek, Sandspit, Bhamtore and Hab Delta ranged between 11 and 76 mn, respectiveiy, The size distribution of the juveniles of this species is cutlined below. Korangi Creek: At Korangi Creek the juveniles of M. stebbingi (Figure 41) occurred throughout the year but were most abundant during the period July to September. Smaller peaks of abundance occurred in February, Mey and Novemoer which indicated continued breeding activity of this species throughout the year. The period July to September is the period of southwest monsoon rains in the northern Arabien Sea, The greatest abundance of the juveniles of M. stebbingi during this period may be celated to the lowering of salinity in this area due to precipitation. The sizes of the juveniles of M. stebbingi caught in different months of the year from this locality are given in Table 10, The largest juveniles, measuring 76 mm in TL, were caught here in February and the smallest, measuring 11 mm in July and November, ‘The average size of the juveniles ranged from 29 tc 34 mm (T.L.), In the first half of the year the Sizes of the smaller juveniles varried from 16 to 25 mm (T.L.)- 199 - and those of the larger ones from 29 to 68 mm (T.L.). The minimum size of 11 to 16 mm was recorded from July to November; in December this increased to 19 mm, In July-August the larger juveniles measured 39 to 44 mm, while the following months they measured 34 mm or more. Juveniles of M. stebbingi measuring 25 to 34 mm were the most abundant aad the 34 mm size constituted the major mode (Pigure 42), Juveniles of 16 to 19 mm were second in abundance, whereas those of 11 and 39 to 68 mm were the fewest and appeared in the catches least frequently. Bhambore: At this locality the juveniles of M. stebbingi were found to be present in January-February and July to December (Figure 41). Their absence from March to June is difficult to explain. The influx of the jiveniles of this species was poor in this locality, There were very few juveniles in January-February and it is possible that tais poor influx continued from March to June (or may have become poorer yet) resulting in their absence from the catches. The maximum number of Juveniles were obtained in September, after which their number declined sharply in the period October to December.- 200- The minimum and maximum sizes (Table 10) of the juveniles caught from this locality in different months varied, respectively, from 16 to 29 mn and 16 to 34 mm, The difference between the minimum and maximum size of the juveriles caught was evidently narrower compared to the juveniles found in other localities. The most abundant juveniles belonged to the 29 mm size (Figure 42). Those measuring 19 to 25 mm were second in abundance whereas the 16-34 mm juveniles were the least so. Juveniles larger than 34 mm were absent from this locality. Sandspit: A continu-us influx cf the juveniles of M. te’! ingi was noted in the Sandspit area (Figure 41) but this was of lower magnitude compared te that at Korangi Creek. At Sandspit, the peak abundarce (moderate-compared to peak abundance elsewhere) was recoried in November and two less distinct peaks occurred ir February and May. The largest juveniles of this species, measuring 53 to 76 mm, were caught from this locality in the months of January and February (Table 10). During the period March to May the larger juveniles measured 29 to 44 mm and in June-July, 44 to 48 mn, In October the largest juveniles measured only 25 mm whereas in November-December, 44 to 53 mm, The minimum size of the= 201 - Juveniles varied from 29 to 34 mm from January to March and July to August and 16 to 19 mm in the remaining nonths, ‘The size wange of the juveniles of M. stebingi at Sandspit was found to be the widest among juveniles collected from the four localities. The maximum size of the juveniles collected from here was 76 mm, But juveniles of 29 mm size were the most abundant (Figure 42), whereas those of 44 and 19 mm occupied the second and third position, respectively. Those measuring 19, 23, 34 and 39 mm were less abundant, The juveniles measuring 16 and 48 to 53 mm were fairly abundant, while those of 76 mm size ware represented poorly and appeared occasionally in the hauls. At this locality the abundance of the juveniles of M. stebbingi was poor from January to June (Figure 41). The major peak was recorded in the month of July following which the number of juveniles again declined, The largest juveniles of this species, ranging in size from 44 to 53 mm were found from January to March and August (Table 10), From April to July the maximum size ranged from 29-39 mn whereas in the period September to December it ranged from 39 to 44 mm. The minimum length ranged from 2G to 39 mm, in January, February and August and= 202 - 16 to 25 mm in che remaining months, At this site juveniles of 19 to 34 mm size were the most abundant, while those measuring 39 to 44 mm and 53 mm were less frequent. Juveniles of 11 to 16 wm were the most pocrly represented (Figure 42), 10.3.1, Discussion In the literature very little information is available about M. stebbingi probably due to the fact that this species is not of major commercial importance in any part of the world, and alse becaus? it makes up a minor fraction of the commercial catch, wherever it occurs. In Pakistani waters, however, it wwatributes <.° ‘ly to ‘ae comm zs tal fishe.) (lirm:-., 1967). According to Zupanovic (1971) this species is more common in estuaries, creeks and inshore waters of Pakistan particularly in the delta of river Indus. The species is not very common in the Indian waters, as, catches of this species nave been reported only from northwest India (Kurian and Sebastian, 1976). It is of minor importance in commercial catches in Madgascar (Holthuis, 1980), Gorgy (1966) mentioned the presence of this species near Alexandria (Egypt). The species is also reported from the Suez Canel (Gurney, 1927) and is of commercial impor- tance in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, Jt has probably entered= 203 - the eastern Mediterranean through the Suez Canal and is also found as far north as Israel (Holthuis, 1980). In the present study juveniles of M, stebbingi were found to be more abundant than those of other species of Metapengeus in the backwaters and creeks around Karachi. Zupanovie (1971) mentioned that larger individuals of this species are recorded from deeper watexs, which indicates their migration to offshore waters for spawning. According to Zupanovic (1971) the smallest specimens of this species, present in the samples of the penaeid rollecte? by hin fron the shelf area of the c-utheast co--~ of Pakistan, measured 50 to 60 mm (T.L.). The maximum size of the juveniles of this species caught during the present study measured 68 to 75 mm. However, the juveniles of avout this size were mostly absent in the study area or were represented in very small avnbers. Therefore, it may be concluded that the juveniles of M. stebbingi continue to stwy in the coastal waters and creeks upto this size after which the, migrate to the shelf area of the northern Arabian Sea. ‘the influx of penaeid postlarvae and juveniles in the inshore waters near Karachi seems to be directed towards finding more food and= 204 - protection in tae backwaters and creeks which may serve as nurseries for taem, With the onset of maturity the biological requivements change and the young shrimps start migrating to deeper waters of the shelf, for further feeding, maturation and finelly spawning. Prior to this study, no information was available regarding the breeding of this species in Pakistan (Zupanovic, 1971). From the foregoing account dealing with the size frequencies of the juveniles of M. stebbingi it is evident that this species may spawn, to one extent or another, throughout the year with the major spawning peak occuring in the period May to July (judging from the size of the juveniles). This conclusion follows from the observation that juveniles forming the major peaks of abundance in the period July to September were on the average 19 to 34 mm in size. These would have taken 1.6 to 2.8 months (48 to 64 days) to reach this size after spawning had occurred.10.4, METAPENASUS AFFINIS (MILNE EDWARDS) Size frequency distribution and abundance Korangi Creek: The juveniles of this species constituted the second most abundant grour (Figure 43) at Korangi Creek (After M. stebbingi) compared to the juveniles of other penaeid species. They were few ia number in February and March and were absent from October to December from this locality. A moderate peak of abundanen were recorded in April followed by the major peak in June and a much smaller peak in September. The size distribution of the juveniles of this species at the four localities is shown in Table 11 and Figure 44, In Korangi Creek the smallest juveniles of this species measuring 10 mm, occurred in April, July and August and the largest measured 73 mn in May. Throughout the study the minimum size of the juveniles ranged from 10 mm to 19 mm and the maximum size ranged fron 33 mm to 73 mm, The smaller juveniles of 10-23 mm size were caught in August and those of 15-33 mm size in September whereas the larger ones in May (19-73 mm) and June (19-48 mm). Smaller individuals (Figure 44) ranging in size= 206 - from 19-39 mm were frequently present at this locality. larger ones of 43 mn to 73 m were caught in much fewer numbers. The most abundant juveniles measured 19 to 24 mm, The largest juveniles of 73 mm size were recorded only from this locality, Bhambore: A continuous influx of the juveniles of this species (Figure 43) was recorded at Bhambcre throughout the year. A minor peak was recorded in February followed by a more significant peak in June and August-September, In the other months the juveniles appeared in very small numbers. The smallest juveniles of this s; ies mesuring iC am were caugnt in ‘arch, June and July whereas the largest measuring 5% mm in October and November. (fable 11), Smaller shrimps of 10-33 mm size were more frequent from March to June, while larger shrimps of 19 to 53 mm size were more abundant duving winter months, Juveniles of 23 to 28 mm size were the most abundant in this locality (Pigure 44). Sandspit: The juveniles of M. affinis were poorly represented at this locality, They appeared in samples in significant numbers from June to September, In the remaining months the juveniles= 207 - of this species were very few. At thie locality the smallest juveniles of this species, measuring 10 to 14 mm were caught in June, July and August and the largest measuring 53 to 57 um in November, December and January (Figure 44), Hab Delta: The juveniles of M. affinis were poorly represented from January to April and from October to December (Figure 43). A major peak was recorded in June which was followed by a minor peak in September. The emailest juvniles measuring 14 mm appeared ir March, June and July t+ Octobe -nd large~* of 68 ™m size in February. The minimum size in different months varied from 14 to 28 mm and the maximum from 23 to 68 mm (Table 11), Juveniles measuring 25 to 43 mm and 53 mm were the most abundant at this locality, whereas those measuring 14 to 19 mm, 48 mm and 62 ma to 68 mm were poorly represented (Figure 44). 10.4.1, Discussions A fair amount of information is available on M. affinis from the Indian ocean. For instance, it is known that adults of this species occur commonly in November and December on the“= 208 - southwest coast of India in the inshore fishery gounds but on the offshore grounds they are most abundant from November to January (George, 1961; George et al, 1968.). The abundance in the offshore grounds may be related to their spawning season. Latter George (1970) recorded this species from depths of about 45 m in the inshore weters and in small numbers in the estuaries almost throughout the year with peaks during January to June. Kemp (1915) recorded this species from Chilka Lake on the east coast of India duriag February-March and concluded that it may ‘ve present there in all seasons, Zupanovic (1971) indicated the distribution of this srecies throughout the coast of Pakiste~ with a significant abundance. towards Karachi and Sind coast. It 1s alec known that the juveniles of this specivs are found in very snail number in the backwaters and estuaries (George, 1970) and constitute 20 percent of the backwater fishery of Cochin (Subrahmanyam, 1967). In Ceylon they are found on mud banks in the sea at a depth of 14 to 22 m (De Bruin, 1965). Hall (1962) reported gecesional occurrence of the juveniles of this species in the Singapore pond fishery, where they never exceeded 6.5 percent of the shrimp population. In the present study the juveniles of affinis were caught throughout the year