Rhinomugil

Abstract: Three new species of Dermoergasilus are described from six species of grey mullet hosts. Dermoergasilus longiabdominalis n. sp. was found on Valamugil engeli (Bleeker) from the Philippines and Madagascar and on V. cunnesius (Valenciennes) from the Philippines and Mangalore, India. D. semiamplectens n. sp. occurred on Sicamugil hamiltoni (Day) from the Sittang River, Burma, on Liza subviridis (Valenciennes) and L. parsia (Hamilton Buchanan) from Calcutta, India, and on V. cunnesius (Valenciennes) from China. D. curtus n. sp. parasitised Rhinomugil squamipinnis (Swainson) from Alahabad, India. A key to the ten currently accepted species of Dermoergasilus is given. The biogeographical distribution of Dermoergasilus species is analysed and levels of host-specificity are surveyed within the genus. The phylogenetic relationships between the species of Dermoergasilus are also analysed.

Abstract: Thirteen species of grey mullet could be well recognised to be occurring in India. Of these, 8 species contribute to the commercial catches. They are, Mugil cephalus, M. cunnesius, Liza macrolepis, L. parsia, L. fade, Ellochelon vaigiensis, Valamugil seheli and Rhinomugil covsula. The other known species are L. carinatus, V. buchanani, Sicamugil cascasia, Plicomugil labiosus and Crenimugil crenilabis. Mullets are caught along the sea coast, in the lagoons and the adjoining brackish-water lakes, and in the estuaries. As they are caught almost throughout the year, they are a valuable source of food-fish during the ofiFseason of the other commercial fisheries. Since mullets in general are hardy f5sh they are best suited for fish farming through which could be obtained better increments in growth and a ready source of fish. Although repot ts are available about the mullet fishery resources from the sea on an all-India basis, similar information for the brackish-waters is lacking. Therefore an attempt has been made to estimate the brackish-water and total mullet fishery resources of India. Information on the availability of fry and fingerlings has been given.