BLACKSPOTTED CROAKER, Protonibea diacanthus (Lacepède, 1802): A NEW DIMENSION TO THE FISHING PATTERN IN WEST BENGAL, INDIA

Sa？etak Blackspotted Croaker (Protonibea diacanthus) is one of the most commercially important croakers which migrate along West Bengal coast during winter season. This paper deals with the importance of the species along with its market value and the cause of its popularity in West Bengal. This species is gaining prime importance among the fishermen due to the highmarket price of its swim bladder. The dried swim bladders are sold in local markets for Rs. 40,000-50,000 per kg. There is a risk factor involved as the fishermen do not get the catch at a time and, moreover, they often lose common pelagic fishes due to the usage of larger mesh nets. In spite of this risk, a shift from pelagic to demersal fishing across the northern Bay of Bengal marks an important emerging trend of winter fishing in this area