First Record of Gazza dentex (Leiognathidae) from Odisha Coast, India and Assessment of its Length-weight Relationship

Abstract

The paper reports Gazza dentex (Valenciennes) collected from Gopalpur-on-Sea, Odisha as the first report of this species from Odisha coast, India. This is confirmed by comparing the morphometric and meristic characters with the lectotype data and other reports and by the osteological examination from radiograph as well. The length-weight relationship of the 30 specimens of this species was carried out and the estimated b value was found to be 2.96. This report may be helpful in further study of its biology, zoogeography and taxonomic status of the genus Gazza belonging to the family Leiognathidae.