Some aspects of the biology of NQ>ea maculata from Mandapam waters are studied. Regression coefficients
in the length-weight relationships of females and males of N. macutala show significant difference between
them and both significantly differ from the cubic value. The spawning season is from April to August
and the females appear to perform two spawning acts during this period. Relative condition factor is
apparently related to the reproductive cycle. Females and males attain first maturity at 185 and 167 mm,
respectively. Fecundity show wide fluctuations from 21,584 to 475,043 with high correlation to ovary
weight. Overall sex-ratio shows predominance of females