Preliminary observation on the distribution and catch of the shovel-nosed lobster, Thenus orientalis Lund in South China Sea

Abstract

The shovel-nosed lobster, Thenus orientalis lund, is a widely distributed and a commercially important crustacean in the South China Sea. To study its habitat, distribution and catch the data obtained by trawl operations carried out by Thai research vessels in 1967—1968 and by R/V CHANGI in 1972 were analysed. In the South China Sea it is most abundant in the coastal waters of the Malay Peninsula, South Vietnam and Sibu Bay of Sarawak at depth of less than 50 m. and relatively good catch has been obtained from waters with sandy rather than muddy bottom. The catch at night time is higher than that in the daytime. This phenomenon may be related to the feeding behaviour of this species as observed in the case of prawn.