Tuticorin, July 31: "Cobia" of the rachycetridae family, a rare fish, with a tag around its head, was spotted in the Gulf of Mannar at a depth of 50 metres by a senior research fellow studying the bio-diversity of the reef fish in the gulf. According to V K Venkataramani, professor, department of fisheries biology and capture fisheries, a plastic-cum-celluloid tag was seen around the head region without piercing any tissue. However there was no information in the tag.

"Probably the information sheet containing particulars of the place from where it was released could have come off during migration,” a report quoting Venkataramani said.

The report received here said experts felt that some research institute could have tagged the fish to study its age, growth and migration pattern, spawning and feeding behaviour.
The recaptured male animal weighed 1.85 kgs and is 67.6 cm long. It feeds on shrimps, squids and cuttle fish.

"It is found in Indo-Pacific region and is distributed in tropical regions. Tagging is done in the juvenile stage to study the biological peculiarities of the species. It is done in thousands so that at least 50 per cent could be followed.” There were about 20 types of tags, the report said.

Bureau Report