Age, growth and maturation in the mesopelagic squid Abralia andamanica (Cephalopoda: Enoploteuthidae) from the Arabian Sea

• Main Authors: Sajikumar, K K, Sasikumar, Geetha, Venkatesan, V, Jestin Joy, K M, Mohamed, K S
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: 2022
• Subjects: age and growth; Cephalopods; DML
• Online Access: http://eprints.cmfri.org.in/16170/; http://eprints.cmfri.org.in/16170/1/Scientia%20Marina_2022_Sajikumar%20K%20K.pdf; https://scientiamarina.revistas.csic.es/index.php/scientiamarina/index

Age, growth and maturation in the mesopelagic squid Abralia andamanica (Cephalopoda: Enoploteuthidae) were studied in 140 individuals of 15-60 mm dorsal mantle length (DML) captured from open waters in the southeast Arabian Sea. The length-weight relationship was estimated as W=0.278 DML1.884 (R2 =0.93). Age estimates based on statolith increment counts ranged from 79 to 177 days, suggesting a short (<200-day) lifespan. Growth in length was best described by a linear function for males and a power function for females. Growth in weight was best described by a power function for both sexes. Growth rates of the DML ranged from 0.16 to 0.30 (mean=0.24) mm/day in males and from 0.23 to 0.43 (mean=0.33) mm/ day in females. The hatching season extended from June to August (monsoon season).