Chaetognaths of the Arabian Sea
297
period shows higher representation of the species along the western half of the Arabian
Sea excluding the northern part. The maximum values are in the Somalia region. However, during the NE monsoon this species is encountered in the north Arabian Sea. The
distribution is totally different during the 2 seasons, and during the SW monsoon the
species is found to be on average 1.7 times more abundant per haul. The distribution
tends to show that it is limited to highly productive waters.
3. Pterosagitta draco (KROHN, 1853)
(Figs. 3 a and 3 b)
Comparatively small mature individuals (length at maturity 5.4 mm) are encountered
in a few samples taken from the Laccadive Sea. The species is common in the Arabian
30'
30'
N
o·
S
10'
70"
E 80"30'
N
20"
• . • s
• ~ 80"10"
Fig. 3 a. Geographical distribution of Pt. draco during the SW monsoon
30'
30'
N
20'
o·
0'
s
10'
60'
60"
70'
E sO" 30'
N
20'
l(),
0'
..
S
E sO" 10'
Fig. 3 b. Geographical distribution of Pt. draco during the NE monsoon