Age and Growth of Muricid Gastropods Chicoreus virgineus (Roading 1798) and Muricanthus virgineus (Roading 1798) from Thondi Coast, Palk Bay, Bay of Bengal

Age and growth of the Chicoreus virgineus (Roading 1798) and Muricanthus virgineus (Roading 1798) species were determined using different methods such as size frequency method, probability plot method and Von Bertalanffy's growth equation. Using Peterson's method, male of Chicoreus virgineus was found to attain a maximum length of 7.25cm and the female a length of 10.2cm in the 4^th year. In Muricanthus virgineus male and female attained a length of 8.5cm and 11.4cm respectively in 4^th year. The results of probability plot method revealed that the male of Chicoreus virgineus reached a maximum length of 8.55cm, and the female 10.35cm in the 4^th year. However, in Muricanthus virgineus, the maximum length of 9.4cm in male and 11.00cm in female were found in 4^th year. Using Von Bertalanffy's equation, Chicoreus virgineus male was found to attain a length of 8.85cm, and the female a length of 10.35cm while the male of Muricanthus virgineus calculated as 9.4cm, and the female 11.00cm of lengths in 4^th year.