The annual landings of the ribbon fish Trichiurus leptwus at Vizhinjam during 1979-81 fluctuated
between 5831 and 34291 with an average at 21241 forming 43 % of the total fish catch. The active
fishery season was from June to October with peak landings during July and August/September.
Boatseinecontributed96%ofthecatch with a maximum CPUE of 111.5 kg. Hooks andline, shore
seine and gill net accounted for the rest of the catch. The size and maturity distribution and sex-ratio
of T. leptwus in the catches are given along with its food and feeding habits. The disposal and utilisa*
tion of the catch are also briefly described
