Bumper landings of Abalistes stellatus (Lacepede. 1798)

Although trigger fishes are obtained in stray numbers during trawl catches, unusually large specimens are observed in the long trip trawlers operating at 60-100 mts depth. The size ranged from 38 to 43 cm and the catch from 50 to 100 kg/boat. A record landing of about 185.5 tonnes was estimated during the year 2000 at Veraval. The samples collected on 24.11.2000 were identified as the starry triggerfish, Abalistes stellatus (Lacepede, 1798).