Length frequency, length-weight relationship and distribution of Psettodes erumei in the Oman Sea

Psettodes erumei is the sole fish species belonging to Psettodidae family that lives in the Oman Sea. The species has a flat body and is thicker than other flat fishes. It has a large mouth with strong teeth and gray-brown color on body surface; and is mostly found in muddy-sandy substrates up to 25m depths. The species is carnivorous and feeds on prey fishes. The common trawl and gillnet are commonly used for catching the fish.
This study was carried out in the Oman Sea in 2002 covering 86 trawling stations. After each haul, the trawl was emptied on board for separation, identification and weight measurement of the catch items. The CPUA was calculated by Swept Area method and used as an index for distribution analysis of the fish species. The maximum snout-length was found to be 66cm for the study area and the length-weight relationship was calculated as W=0.0294 TL 2.7973.