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

Abstract

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).