Abstract:
Jaffna lagoon in Northern Province of Sri Lanka is an important fishing
area which also harbours high marine biodiversity. Members of the family
Siganidae are commercially and economically important species among
mangroves and estuaries and shallow lagoons in Sri Lanka. They belong to
order Perciformes, sub order Siganoidei. Most of the members ase excellent
for mariculture due to their herbivorous food habits, rapid growth and
economic value. The present study is an aim to document the species
diversity of siganids inhabiting the Jaffna lagoon. The present investigation
was carried out from June 2011 to June 2012 in order to update the
checklist of the species of the family siganidae. Samples were collected
from Kurunagar, Paasaiyoor, Navanthurai and Kakaitheevu landing centres.
Specimens were collected by Sirahu valai, traps baited with aquatic plants,
bottom gill nets and cast nets which are used in commercial fishing around
the Jaffna lagoon. All siganids were brought to the laboratory and identified
up to species level using their morphological characters. Their photographs
were also taken. Based on the present study, seven species of siganids were
recorded, including Siganus canaliculatus, S. javus, S. lineatus, S. stellatus,
S. virgatus, S. vermiculatus and S. spinus. The distinguishing morphological
characters used for the identification are discussed and the key to identify
siganids was constructed.
