Survey on Branchiostegus resourece in the north part of the East China Sea and in the southern part of Yellow Sea

Branchiostegus is a demersl fish in warm water. It is documented that there are four species of the fish in China water areas. Here are reported the biological characteristics and stock situation of Branchiostegus japonious and Branchiostegus albus mixcommunity which were captured by deep water drift net in the west of 27?00′ - 34?00′N, 128?00′E in the period ranging from Aug. 1998 to June 2004. The captured fish length was 100 - 390 mm, with the average length being 223.9 mm. Individual weight was 30 - 1470 g, with the average weight being 231.5 g. The captured fish was 1 - 9 yearling and predominant group was 1 - 3 yearling. The length was a power function of the weight. The average length and weight of male fish were greater than the female, while the female showed a little bit fatter. In the natural community, the ratio of female to male was approximately 1 ： 1.2. There were spawning areas, and its period was from April through to Aug, The Branchiostegus is eury-carnivore. It would not stop taking food when breeding. The habitat areas of the main Branchiostegusjaponious were in the east of 126?00′E, while B. a/bus in the west of 124?00′E, both communities were found in 124?00′ - 126?00′E. The landing of Branchiostegus was about 30% of its total production, much more than other species. For the time being, Branchiostegus stock has not been found declining apparently. However, as compared with earlier time, its production rate in its total landing has declined a lot. Hence, it is imperative to exploit it wisely to realize sustainable development.