551 A CHECKLIST OF SNAPPERS (FAMILY: LUTJANIDAE) FROM INDIAN WATERS Rekha J. Nair*, Dinesh Kumar, S., Somy Kuriakose and Praveen, P. Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, P. O. Box. 1603, Kochi, Kerala, India. Abstract: A survey of snappers along the coast of India, Lakshadweep and Andaman Islands were done during the period 2010-2013. A total of 35 species under 8 genera of snappers were recorded, of which 3 species are new additions to the Indian waters. Information from these observations and other sources are compiled into the present checklist which includes 49 speciesin 10 genera as reliable records and presently known snappers from the area. Key words: Checklist, Snappers, Indian waters. Received on: 10 October 2013, accepted on: 12 December 2013 INTRODUCTION The family Lutjanidae collectively known as snappers, contains 17 genera and 105 species, which are mainly confined to tropical and subtropical marine waters, with few occurring in estuaries (Allen, 1985; Eschmeyer 2012; Anderson, 2003a). Lutjanus Bloch 1790 is by far the largest genus with 70 species, including at least 43 species from the Indo- West Pacific region.In India, snappers constitute important component of artisanal fishery, landings are mainly from hooks and lines operated off rocky slopes or around coral reefs. Lutjanids are also caught in traps in the Gulf of Mannarand contribute to 2.3 % of the total perch landings of India (CMFRI, 2012). They also form mainstay of monsoon fishery off Lakshadweep. Some fishes also contribute to recreational fishery at Havelock Bay in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The current study compiles observational records of snappers made by the authors from major landing centres of Indian coasts, Lakshadweep and Andaman Islands during the period 2010-2013. MATERIALS AND METHODS Regular observations were conducted all along the coastline at major fish landing centres during the period 2009-13. Monsoon fishery at Lakshadweep and fishery at Andaman and Nicobar Islands were also observed (Fig. 1). The snappers landed were collected, brought to the lab andcolour photographs taken in fresh condition. Morpho-meristics were taken, fishes were then identified using standard textbooks and later confirmed with experts.In addition to present study,published information on the occurrence of snappers from Indian waters are also compiled for checklist. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION A total of 35 species under 8 genera of snappers were recorded during the present study,of which, 3 species are new additions to the Indian waters. (Table 1). Compilations from already recorded information consolidates the list to 49 species under 10 genera in three subfamilies. Sub family Etelinae is represented by 5 genera worldwide; of this four genera Aphareus, Aprion, Etelis, Prisitpomoides are represented in Indian waters with 10 species. While Aphareus, Aprion, Etelis are represented by only two species each, genus Prisitpomoides has f ive species in our waters. Subfamily Apsilinaeis represented by genera Apsilus, Lipocheilus and Paracaesio in Indian waters; genus Parapristipomoides was not represented in the present sampling; no earlier records were noted. This subfamily was represented by 4 species. The third subfamily Paradichthyinae with two monotypic genera Symphorichthys and Symphorus was not represented at all in the collections or in literature. The fourth Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries Vol. 2/2014/ pp. 551 to 555