Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom

Table of Contents - 1994 - Volume 74, Issue 02  

Research Article

Reproductive biology of Todaropsis eblanae (Cephalopoda: Ommastrephidae) in Scottish waters

L.C. Hastiea1 p1, J.B. Joya1 p2, G.J. Piercea1 and C. Yaua1

a1 Department of Zoology, University of Aberdeen, Tillydrone Avenue, Aberdeen, AB9 2TN

Abstract

During a study based on catches taken in the northern North Sea by selected Scottish fishing boats during 1985–1992, large numbers of the normally rare short-fin squid, Todaropsis eblanae (Cephalopoda: Ommastrephidae), were recorded in 1987 and 1990. Our findings, supported by data obtained from plankton/young fish surveys in 1988 and 1989, suggest that in northern waters Todaropsis eblanae generally mates and spawns during late summer and early autumn (June-November). Successful hatching events appear to occur during October-March, producing juvenile (stage I) squid in the early part of the year (January-June). Estimations of maximum male reproductive output and female fecundity were up to 130 spermatophores and ~28,000 eggs per individual, respectively.

Correspondence:

p1 Present address: SOAFD Marine Laboratory, PO Box 101, Victoria Road, Aberdeen, AB9 8DB

p2 Eastern College, PO Box 670, Bonavista, Newfoundland, AOC 1B0, Canada