A multi‐species demersal fish stock was studied from April 1969 to July 1970. The common species are described in this paper and consist ofCarcharhinus sealei, Rhynchobatus djeddensis, Dasyatis kuhlii, Rachycentron canadum, Psettodes erumeiandAriussp. With the exception ofRachycentron canadum, these fish were available throughout the year and some coincidence of increased availability was noted in August/September.Psettodes erumei, the commonest fish caught, was most available in August/September, February/ March and June. The size and weight distribution of each of these fish is described. Morphometric results indicate that two fish,Dasyatis kuhliiandPsettodes erumei, exhibit sexual dimorphism, the females being larger and heavier than the males.Carcharhinus sealei, Rhynchobatus djeddensisandRachycentron canadumhave a nearly isometric growth exponent whereasDasyatis kuhlii, Psettodes erumeiandAriussp. have an allometric growth exponent. All fish were carnivores,Rhynchobatus djeddensis, Rachycentron canadumandAriussp. being primarily crustacean feeders,Dasyatis kuhliifeeding on polychaetes and crustaceans andCarcharhinus sealeiandPsettodes erumeifeeding mainly on fish. The increased number of all three bony fish noted in August/September (immediately prior to the short rains in October/November) is discussed in relation to feeding activity and the initiation of spawning activity. It is suggested that spawning inPsettodes erumeiandAriussp. is initiated in September, continuing possibly to February and then during the long rains (March/May) and the South East Monsoon the fish recover. It is also suggested that pregnant elasmobranchs may come inshore in greater numbers during the rains to give birt