Academic literature on the topic 'LOLIGINIDAE'

Recent years have seen the emergence of extensive studies of myopsid squid growth of the family Loliginidae. This has greatly advanced our understanding of their life histories. Growth data have accumulated from both statolith-based field studies and culture work. Validation studies on loliginids continue to support that statolith increments are laid down daily. Ageing work has also revealed that short lifespans are typical, with nine of the 21 species studied having lifespans <200 days, eight species with lifespans between 200 days and about 1 year and only three species with lifespans >1 year. While growth is continuous and non-asymptotic, the marked plasticity in size-at-age has hindered the development of a general model to describe squid growth. Many loliginids are multiple spawners that continue to feed while growing and reproducing, although there has been some documented loss of conditon in mature individuals. An exception is Loligo opalescens, which has a terminal spawning strategy with a marked loss of condition and post-spawning mortality. Quantification of the cost of living and the energetics of loliginids are likely to be best achieved by combining field and culture studies on a species such as the Indo-Pacific squid Sepioteuthis lessoniana.

Trace elements in squid statoliths were analyzed by PIXE for the following fourteen species in five families of different habitat origin: Ommastrephidae, Ommastrephes bartrami, Dosidicus gigas, Sthenoteuthis oualaniensis; Gonatidae, Gonatopsis makko, G. borealis, Berryteuthis magister; Loliginidae, Loligo bleekeri, L. duvaucelii, L. chinensis, L. edulis and Sepioteuthis lessoniana; Sepiidae, Sepia aculeata and Sepiella inermis; Sepiolidae, Rossia pacifica, Manganese, iron, copper, zinc and strontium were detected from statoliths of all species examined. Among these trace elements, Sr is the highest in concentration. Variation of statoliths Sr concentration reflects taxonomic position and the habitat of specimens. In Ommastrephids and Gonatids, that have oceanic habitat, statoliths Sr concentration is relatively high whereas that of Loliginids and Sepiids, that have coastal habitat, is comparatively low. This fact supports our previous report on this subject. R. pacifica exceptionally shows high statoliths Sr concentration although this species inhabits in coastal water.

Franciscana dolphins were used as source of information on the bioavailability of cadmium in the neritic waters off South Brazilian Coast. Liver samples obtained from 44 individuals incidentally captured off Rio Grande do Sul State were analyzed by electrothermal AAS. Cadmium concentrations, age, total weight and length of the analyzed dolphins varied between 39 and 4144 µg.kg-1 (wet weight), one and five years, 17.5 and 49.2 kg, and between 105.3 and 156.8 cm, respectively. Concerning hepatic cadmium concentrations of franciscanas, there was no significant difference between data raised by the present study and information from literature, regarding Rio de Janeiro State. The low cadmium concentrations observed may be attributed to the fact that loliginid squids constitute the main cephalopod prey for franciscanas. This study corroborates investigations on cadmium levels in Brazilian squids and strengthened the hypothesis that cephalopods of Loliginidae Family do not constitute important vectors of the transfer of cadmium to cetaceans.

Growth of somatic tissue in Photololigo sp. was examined in terms of muscle fibre recruitment and growth. Muscle blocks and muscle fibres were measured and size frequency distributions compared between different size-classes of squid. Muscle blocks increased in size as individuals grew. The size frequency distribution of the muscle blocks suggested that this increase was due to both the generation of new muscle fibres and an increase in the size of existing muscle fibres. The size frequency distribution of muscle fibres was very similar in all size-classes of squid examined, and the presence of small muscle fibres in all individuals suggested that fibre recruitment may be continuous. Growth of muscle tissue, by muscle fibre growth and recruitment, provides a mechanism to explain constant growth throughout the life cycle described for tropical squid. Two structural types of muscle fibres, mitochondria-poor and mitochondria-rich, are present in juvenile and adult squid. A weak relationship between the ratio of the two muscle fibre types and dorsal mantle length suggests that generation of mitochondria-rich fibres may not be influenced by growth.

Trace elements in the squid statoliths were analyzed by PIXE for following seven species distributing at offshore and inshore waters: Family Ommastrephidae, Ommastrephes bartrami, Todarodes pacificus; family Loliginidae, Loligo bleekeri, L. duvaucelii, L. chinensis, L. edulis and Sepioteuthis lessoniana. Statoliths of all seven species contained manganese, iron, capper, zinc and relatively high amount of strontium. Statoliths Sr concentration, an possible index for thermal history of the animal’s habitat, were the highest in O. bartrami that spends their entire life time at pelagic water, and secondly highest in T. pacificus living at the pelagic as well as the coastal waters. On the other hand, statoliths Sr concentration was relatively low in the five species of Loliginidae living at coastal waters, with following order: L. edulis >S. lessoniana >L. duvaucelii >L. bleekeri >L. chinensis. These observations may indicate that quantity of the statoliths trace elements are species specific in squids, thus would be a possible “key” to reconsidering about taxonomy and distribution in squid.

The reproductive strategies of male and female Loligo forbesi Steenstrup, 1856 were investigated from samples obtained from commercial catches and research cruises in Irish waters. In females maturity increased with size, but in males two modes in the size at maturity were identified, with approximately 40% mature at small size (180–200 mm mantle length), and the remainder mature at >250 mm mantle length. The difference in estimated age of the two modes of mature males was small, so size differences were probably due to different growth rates. Growth and maturation proceeded together in both sexes over much of the life-cycle. The effect of maturation on relative growth of somatic tissues was examined using analysis of covariance and multivariate regressions. In males there was a significant decline in total mass, and in mass of mantle, head and viscera, relative to mantle length with maturation. In females total mass was not significantly affected by maturation, but relative masses of head, mantle and viscera declined with maturation, indicating that energy was diverted from somatic growth to gonad production. Potential fecundity estimates were obtained by counting eggs and ova in the oviduct and ovary of mature females and were in the range 2500 to 10,500 (mean 5800). Fecundity was positively related to mantle length. The ovaries of mature females contained a range of egg sizes and developmental stages, indicating that spawning probably occurs intermittently.

The size of fish and squid prey of Loligo forbesi was investigated using otoliths, beaks and statoliths collected from stomach contents analysis of samples obtained from Scottish and Irish waters between 1990 and 1993. Loligo forbesi was found to consume a large range of prey sizes, but prey size was always less than the predator size. Season was shown to significantly influence the predator size-prey size relationship for sprat and sandeel prey, but this itself could be influenced by seasonal changes in the size of prey. Fish prey size increased with increased predator size up to a mantle length (ML) of 200 mm. Loligo forbesi of mantle length >200 mm consumed a range of prey sizes, with no clear increase in the size of prey. For most prey taxa the relationship between prey size and squid size was similar, the exceptions being dragonets and silvery pout. Cannibalism by L. forbesi was mostly limited to larger L. forbesi (>150 mm ML) feeding on smaller (20–50 mm ML) conspecifics.

A total of 6512 specimens of Loligo forbesi Steenstrup (Cephalopoda : Loliginidae), obtained from Scottish fishing ports and research vessels during 1984/86, was used to investigate aspects of fishery biology of the species in Scottish waters. L. forbesi exhibits sexual dimorphism in size, males had a larger overall mean size (DML, weight) than females, and for each sex the mean size was larger in those from the north-eastern Atlantic than in those from the North Sea. In length-weight relationship, females had a higher regression slope than males and this relationship for squids from Rockall was significantly different to those from the North Sea. Multivariate analyses on measurements of body parts showed that Rockall squid, also, exhibited less variation in body form but distinct differences from those of the west coast and North Sea. Recruitment of L. forbesi occurred during April/May and November/December, the monthly growth rate after recruitment varied between 12.5 to 28.6mm DML/month for males and 12.5 to 17.5mm DML/month for females; for each sex the November/December cohort had lower growth rate. The logistic growth model best fitted the progression of modes of monthly length frequencies. Age determinations estimated from statolith markings varied from under 3 months for 30mm DML individual to 28 months for 571mm DML male individual. Sex ratio in L. forbesi varied significantly from 1:1 throughout the year with males exceeding females except during winter when the number of females may be equal to/or more than males. Mean size at maturity was 205mm DML for males and 192mm DML for females. Spawning occurred during December to March and the peak spawning period occurred in February throughout the study area. In this species, maturity coefficient and gonad-somatic index were the best indices for identification of spawning season. Fecundity is related to size and the average number of eggs per female was 6500.High proportions of specimens with 'empty' stomach were observed during the winter. The prey of L. forbesi was fish, crustaceans, molluscs and polychaetes in decreasing order of incidence. Identified fish prey were Argentina sphryaena, Trisopterus esmakii, Merlangius merlangus and Ammodytes sp.

The chokka squid, Loligo vulgaris reynaudii, is a commercially important species supporting a large, high-value export fishery for South Africa. This study reviewed its population dynamics and reproductive biology. Biological information collected on biannual research cruises from September 1986 to April 1999 on the Agulhas Bank as well as information from commercial vessels operating in the inshore environment collected between April 1988 and July 1989 and again between June 1999 and May 2000 were analysed. Size ranges of juveniles, subadults and adults were calculated and used to determine seasonal distribution and abundance patterns. Based on Gonadosomatic Indices (GSI) and percentages of mature squid in each month, two peak reproductive seasons in summer and winter were identified although mature squid were present all year round. Seasonal peaks in sex ratio were also apparent with males outnumbering females by up to 4:1 in the peak-breeding season. The size at which squid matured, demonstrated both spatial and temporal patterns. Squid caught in spring matured at a smaller size than squid caught in autumn and at successively smaller sizes from west to east across the Agulhas Bank. Size at maturity was highly variable especially in males where “sneaker males” were evident in both seasons. Length-to-weight linear regression revealed significant differences between maturity stages and between sexes. Females demonstrated steeper length-to-weight regression slopes than males in the peak-breeding seasons. Aspects of squid biology pertinent to fishery management were highlighted as well as potential areas where research should be directed in order to develop future stock assessment models.

Cefalópodes coleóides (lulas, sépias e polvos) produzem espermatóforos muito elaborados, os quais são transferidos à fêmea durante a cópula por meio de um apêndice modificado nos machos. Durante a transferência à fêmea, os espermatóforos sofrem, de forma autônoma, drásticas modificações na chamada \"reação espermatofórica\", complexo processo de evaginação do aparato ejaculatório, que conduz à exteriorização da massa espermática e corpo cimentante. Poucos trabalhos abordam com detalhes a morfologia e anatomia funcional dos espermatóforos dos cefalópodes, grande parte do conhecimento acerca da estrutura do espermatóforo tendo sido gerada por trabalhos clássicos do século XIX e início do século XX. Investigações acerca do funcionamento dos espermatóforos são consideravelmente mais raras, estando o conhecimento básico sobre a reação espermatofórica restrito a apenas 20 espécies de coleóides. Como o funcionamento extracorpóreo dos espermatóforos depende exclusivamente da intrincada estrutura e organização de seus componentes (e.g., membranas e túnicas), somente investigações detalhadas dessas estruturas proverão as bases para a compreensão do funcionamento e da exata função do complexo espermatóforo dos coleóides. Nesse contexto, a presente Tese, organizada em cinco capítulos, teve como objetivo principal investigar a estrutura e o funcionamento dos espermatóforos da lula Doryteuthis plei (Blainville, 1823). No primeiro capítulo, com o objetivo de se estudar a fundo a organização estrutural dos espermatóforos da espécie, diversas técnicas de microscopia foram testadas e empregadas. Como resultado da combinação de diferentes ferramentas de análise, a estrutura do espermatóforo revelou-se ainda mais complexa, sendo as principais descobertas referentes à: 1) elaborada estrutura da membrana mediana, organizada em camadas e apresentando um segmento aboral quimicamente distinto, que envolve parte do corpo cimentante; 2) presença de um material reticulado preenchendo o espaço entre a túnica interna e a membrana mediana (discute-se a possibilidade do mesmo consistir em um fluido viscoso em espermatóforos intactos); 3) presença de espículas intimamente associadas à membrana interna na região do corpo cimentante (além das espículas embebidas no filamento espiral); 4) presença de extensões membranosas que delimitam uma câmara pré-oral na região do capuz; e 5) complexa organização estrutural do corpo cimentante, delimitado por duas camadas e contendo substâncias de distintas propriedades químicas. Uma avaliação cuidadosa da literatura permite sugerir que pelo menos parte dessas características deva ser comum aos espermatóforos de outros loliginídeos, e, em alguns casos, de outros grupos de coleóides. Como parte da investigação acerca da reação espermatofórica e dos mecanismos envolvidos na fixação da massa espermática no corpo da fêmea, constatou-se que, sob condições artificiais, espermatóforos em evaginação são capazes de penetrar musculatura exposta, de forma similar ao fenômeno de \"implante profundo\" observado naturalmente em algumas lulas oceânicas. Esse resultado foi descrito no segundo capítulo, no qual foi levantada a hipótese de que um mecanismo de perfuração seria inerente à estrutura dos espermatóforos dos coleóides. Dando continuidade ao estudo da morfologia funcional dos espermatóforos de D. plei, o terceiro capítulo apresenta os resultados obtidos a partir da investigação do funcionamento do espermatóforo e da morfologia dos espermatângios (i.e, espermatóforos evertidos) obtidos in vitro, bem como daqueles naturalmente fixados na fêmea. As evidências reunidas permitem afirmar que o processo de fixação compreende distintas fases desempenhadas por diversos componentes do espermatóforo, contrariamente a um conceito anterior de que a fixação seria realizada somente por substâncias adesivas do corpo cimentante. Durante a reação espermatofórica, o aparato ejaculatório e respectivo filamento espiral são capazes de perfurar superficialmente ou escarificar o tecido-alvo. Subseqüentemente, o corpo cimentante sofre drástica modificação estrutural, resultando na extrusão de parte do conteúdo cimentante, o qual é injetado diretamente sobre o tecido perfurado. Além disso, o corpo cimentante é exteriorizado com uma extremidade afilada que, em alguns casos, foi encontrada firmemente implantada no tecido da fêmea, juntamente com as substâncias cimentantes. Concomitantemente ao processo de reconfiguração do corpo cimentante, a região da membrana interna que contém as espículas no espermatóforo intacto é evertida e estirada sobre a base do espermatângio, sugerindo um papel auxiliar no processo de fixação. Com base em evidências da literatura, bem como nas obtidas no âmbito da presente Tese, no quarto capítulo propõe-se um modelo teórico para explicar como o aparato ejaculatório em evaginação seria capaz de perfurar e implantar-se no corpo da fêmea durante a reação espermatofórica. Sugere-se que a perfuração seria mecânica e resultado da ação conjunta do aumento gradual do diâmetro dos anéis do filamento espiral e da distância entre os mesmos, bem como do poder de ancoragem proporcionado pelas respectivas espículas. Finalmente, o quinto capítulo apresenta uma revisão da literatura acerca do fenômeno de implante de espermatóforos em Decapodiformes, e reúne evidências que corroboram o modelo teórico proposto. Neste capítulo, é apresentada também uma reinterpretação da função da reação espermatofórica em Octopodiformes. Com base no levantamento de diversos caracteres reprodutivos, foi possível testar hipóteses de evolução da estrutura do espermatóforo e do sistema de implante dos espermatângios, bem como hipóteses de co-evolução de estruturas envolvidas no processo de transferência e armazenamento de espermatozóides. Duas hipóteses principais acerca da evolução do sistema de implante dos espermatângios são propostas.
Male coleoid cephalopods produce elaborate spermatophores, which are transferred to the female during mating. These spermatophores are capable of functioning autonomously and extracorporeally, undergoing complicated changes during the so-called spermatophoric reaction, i.e., a complex process of evagination of the spermatophoric tunics and membranes that, ultimately, leads to the extrusion and attachment of the sperm mass on the females body. Few detailed morphological studies regarding this structure have yet been conducted, and much of the knowledge on the coleoid spermatophore was generated by classical studies of the 19th and early 20th centuries; furthermore, investigations on the functioning of this structure are even rarer. Since the extracorporeal functioning of coleoid spermatophores must rely entirely on the intricate structure and organization of the tunics, membranes, and other structures composing the spermatophore, only detailed investigations of these components would provide the basis for comprehending its mechanics. On these grounds, the present five-chapter Thesis aimed to provide solid evidence that could allow for postulating hypothesis on the functioning and evolution of this unique structure. In the first chapter, an investigation of the morphology of the spermatophore of Doryteuthis plei (Blainville, 1823) applying several microscopy techniques was carried on. A much more complex structural arrangement was revealed for the loliginid spermatophore, the most striking findings being: 1) the complex, layered structure of the middle membrane, which bears an additional, chemically distinct segment surrounding part of the cement body; 2) the presence of a space between the inner tunic and middle membrane filled with a fine reticulated material, presumably a viscous fluid in the fresh state; 3) the presence of stellate particles not only embedded in the spiral filament, but also closely applied to the inner membrane at the level of the cement body; 4) the presence of a pre-oral chamber in the cap region; and 5) the complex organization of the cement body, formed by two distinct layers encompassing contents of different chemical and textural properties. Careful literature reassessment suggests several of these features are common to loliginids, and to some extent to other squids. Their possible functional implications are discussed in light of our knowledge on the spermatophoric reaction mechanics. As part of the investigation on the spermatophoric reaction, and the mechanisms involved in the attachment of the sperm mass on the females body, it was found that the everting spermatophore, when directed towards the incised region of an experimental tissue sample, was able to readily penetrate the artificially exposed musculature, almost resembling natural deep implantation observed in some oceanic and deep-sea squids; this finding is reported in the second chapter, where it was hypothesized that the mechanism involved in deep implantation could be inherent to the 215 spermatophore structure of all squids. The third chapter investigated the functional morphology of the spermatophore of the squid D. plei applying in vitro analysis of the reaction, as well as light and electron microscopy investigation of spermatangia (everted spermatophores containing the sperm mass) obtained either in vitro or naturally attached on the female. Hitherto unnoticed functional features of the loliginid spermatophore revealed herein required a reappraisal of some important processes involved in the spermatophoric reaction, as well as the proposal of new hypotheses to explain their mechanics. The most striking findings concern to the attachment mechanism, which is not carried out solely by cement adhesive material, as previously believed, but rather by a complex process performed by multiple structures that lead to the implantation of the base of the spermatangium into the female body. Firstly, the everting ejaculatory apparatus is presumably able to superficially puncture the female tissue. Subsequently to this process, the cement body passes through a complex structural rearrangement, which leads to the injection of both its viscid cement contents and pointed oral region through the puncture into the female tissue. When the inner membrane at the oral region of the cement body is everted, its sharp stellate particles are exposed, presumptively adhering to the scarified tissue and augmenting attachment by assuring the injection of the cement material inside the superficial hole. The functioning of the loliginid spermatophore is revisited in light of these findings. The forth chapter, building upon evidence from the literature along with evidence from these experiments, proposes a theoretical model to explain how the everting ejaculatory apparatus would be able to mechanically perforate, and concomitantly implant the spermatophore into the female body during the spermatophoric reaction. It is proposed that this process is achieved chiefly through the combination of 1) an \"evaginating-helix\" mechanism performed by the everting ejaculatory apparatus\' spiral filament, and 2) the anchorage provided by its numerous, minute sharp stellate particles. Finally, the fifth chapter reviews the literature concerning the phenomenon of implantation of spermatophores in decapodiforms, and presents evidence corroborating the proposed theoretical model ascribing the role of implantation to the mechanical perforation performed by the spiral filament. The mechanisms of spermatophore transfer are also reviewed for octopodiforms, and a reinterpretation of the function of the spermatophoric reaction in this case is provided. In light of parsimonious character optimizations performed onto recently published phylogenetic trees, a complete ejaculatory apparatus with a spiral filament, as well as the spermatophoric reaction, apparently emerged once and early in the evolution of the Coleoidea. This novelty possibly provided an efficient attachment mechanism and presumably countered the changes associated with the adoption of an active mode of life by coleoids, augmenting fertilization success. Two main hypotheses for the evolution of the complex spermatophore within Coleoidea and Decapodiformes are proposed.

En el presente trabajo se evalúa la estructura histológica de las gónadas del calamar Loligo gahi como también su comportamiento reproductivo en determinados meses. De Enero a Marzo de 2007 se realizaron muestreos mensuales de 56 ejemplares de calamar Loligo gahi del muelle de la playa Pescadores de la costa de Lima, Perú. Fueron procesadas por técnica histológica convencional de hematoxilina–eosina para poder determinar las etapas de la ovogénesis, espermiogénesis y describir la organización histológica del ovario y del testículo. En las hembras de Loligo gahi la ovogénesis presenta 6 etapas o fases de desarrollo. En el macho la espermiogénesis constó de 5 etapas de desarrollo, lo que facilitará predecir adecuadamente el ciclo reproductivo. El análisis histológico se complementó con la obtención del índice gonadosomático, cuyos resultados permiten predecir que los meses de enero a marzo son los más adecuados para la maduración sexual y el desove en esta especie. The present work evaluates the histological structure of gonads of the squid Loligo gahi as well as their behavior in certain months. From January to March 2007 were conducted monthly sampling of 56 specimens of the squid Loligo gahi Beach pier fishermen along the coast of Lima, Peru. Were processed by conventional histological technique of hematoxylin-eosin to determine the stages of ovogénesis, espermiogénesis and describe the histological organization of the ovary and testis. In females of Loligo gahi 6 presents the ovogénesis phases or stages of development. In the male espermiogénesis consisted of 5 stages of development, which provide adequately predict the reproductive cycle. The histological analysis was supplemented by obtaining Gonadosomatic The results predict that the months of January through March are the most suitable for sexual maturation and spawning in this species

The squid Loligo forbesi is fast growing, short-lived (c. 1 year) and semelparous, which means that population abundance is determined by recruitment from the previous year. Females of this neritic squid spawn eggs in finger-like strings and attach them to substrata on the sea floor at depths of 100m. In the laboratory the incubation period of single strings ranged from a mean of 33 days at 16oC to 130 days at 8oC. There was significant inter-string variation in the incubation period, e.g. the mean incubation period ranged from 46-64 days at 12oC. Such a range in the time of hatching may enhance survival. Hatching occurred in the dark. The energy content of eggs varied between females and geographical area. Hatchlings from eggs reared at 16oC generally had smaller mantle lengths than hatchlings from eggs reared at 8oC and embryo size was affected by its position within the egg string. The principle component of squid egg yolk was protein (c. 15% wet mass). Lipids were c.2.5% wet mass. The fatty acids eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid formed c.45% of the total fatty acids in eggs. There is some evidence that the fatty acid arachidonic acid has an important function during the late embryonic stages. Zinc and copper were the most abundant metals in eggs of L. forbesi. Zinc was more abundant than copper and was probably bound to an egg binding protein of c. 20 KDa. The findings contribute to a greater understanding of the environmental and biochemical factors, which influence the variability in recruitment in loliginid populations and the plasticity of their life cycles.

Lulas da família Loliginidae são recursos pesqueiros em crescente importância no ecossistema marinho da Plataforma Continental Sudeste (PCSE) do Brasil. No entanto, informações sobre a distribuição dos estágios iniciais do seu ciclo de vida são bastante escassas. Com base em amostras de plâncton coletadas por 11 cruzeiros oceanográficos pretéritos do Instituto Oceanográfico da USP entre 1991 e 2005, o presente estudo teve como objetivo a identificação da ocorrência de paralarvas de Loliginidae na região entre o Cabo de São Tomé (RJ) e Cananéia (SP). Das 644 amostras analisadas, foram encontradas 246 paralarvas, sendo 121 identificadas em nível de espécie (Doryteuthis sanpaulensis n=75, Doryteuthis plei n=39, Lolliguncula brevis n=6 e Pickfordiateuthis pulchella, n=1). Os padrões de distribuição da Família em relação aos processos oceanográficos foram identificados a partir de mapas de distribuição horizontal e vertical de abundância, temperatura e salinidade. Modelos Lineares Generalizados (GLMs) foram utilizados para detectar os fatores que explicariam a ocorrência e a abundância de Loliginidae, os quais indicaram que a profundidade e a temperatura superficial do mar são as principais variáveis explanatórias. Uma Análise de Redundância (RDA) evidenciou os principais padrões de distribuição observados das três principais espécies de Loliginidae em relação às variáveis oceanográficas. D. sanpaulensis predominou na região norte da área de estudo, associada a águas frias e a eventos de ressurgência. D. plei ocorreu principalmente na região sul da área e em águas mais quentes. L. brevis foi encontrada apenas na região estuarina de Santos, em águas rasas e menos salinas. Os resultados obtidos representam uma contribuição relevante ao conhecimento sobre a Oceanografia Pesqueira das lulas no ecossistema marinho regional.
Loliginid squids are fisheries resources of increasing importance in the shelf ecosystem of Southeastern Brazil. Therefore, information about distribution of the early stages of their life cycle is scarce. Based on plankton samples collected by eleven historical oceanographic surveys cruises of the University of São Paulo\'s Oceanographic Institute between 1991 and 2005, the present study aimed identification of the occurrence of Loliginidae paralarvae in the region between Cabo de São Tomé (22ºS) and Cananéia (25ºS). From 664 samples analyzed, 246 paralarvae were found, being 121 identified to the species level, (Doryteuthis sanpaulensis n=75, Doryteuthis plei n=39,, Lolliguncula brevis n=6 and Pickfordiateuthis pulchella, n=1). The distributional patterns of Loliginidae in relation to oceanographic processes were identified by using horizontal and vertical maps of abundance, temperature and salinity. Generalized Linear Models (GLMs) were used to detect the factors that explain Loliginidae occurrence and abundance, which indicated that depth and sea surface temperature, were major explanatory variables. A Redundancy Analyses (RDA) showed the main observed distribution patterns of the three species of Loliginidae in relation to oceanographic variables. D. sanpaulensis occurred in the northern region associated to cold waters and upwelling events. D. plei occurred mainly in the southern region of the study area and in warmer waters.L. brevis was found in the estuarine region of Santos, in shallow and low salinity waters. The obtained results represent a relevant contribution to squids Fisheries Oceanography in the regional marine ecosystem.

Several studies suggest the environment influences chokka squid catches which are mostly based on the successful formation of inshore spawning aggregations. None of the evidence, however, is direct observation. Acoustic telemetry offers a means to determine the response of spawners to changes in the environment and insight into the behaviour of spawning squid. A hexagonal array of VR2 receivers deployed 500 m apart was deemed to be ideal to monitor the movement patterns of squid on the spawning sites. In isothermic conditions, an area up to 1.28 km2 could be monitored as there was an approximate 50 m overlap in individual VR2 receiver range. In thermocline conditions however, “acoustic dead zones” as wide as 350 m may have existed between VR2 receivers, limiting the performance of this configuration. Similarly benthic turbidity events would also decrease detection range and limit performance. A hexagonal array of VR2 receivers was moored in Kromme Bay on and around active spawning aggregations during the squid fishery closed seasons of November 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006. Squid were caught on jigs and tagged with V9 acoustic pressure telemetry transmitters. A total of 45 animals were tagged. Presence-absence analysis identified three general behaviours: (1) arrival at dawn and departure after dusk, (2) a continuous and uninterrupted presence for a number of days and (3) presence interrupted by frequent but short periods of absence. Overall, the data suggests frequent migrations between spawning aggregations and offshore feeding grounds. The pressure sensor data showed both males and females stayed persistently near the seabed during the day, but at night, this pattern was broken with common activity higher up in the water column. The squid did not remain exclusively in the water column and regularly made excursions to the seabed. CTD and temperature data indicated the intrusion of a cold bottom layer due to upwelling at the monitored spawning sites on a number of occasions. The formation of spawning aggregations appears to be triggered by upwelling events and spawning behaviour, once initiated, disrupted by upwelling events with a rapid onset, possibly due to an inability to adapt physiologically over such a short time period.

It is currently hypothesised that the chokka squid (Loligo reynaudi) consist of a single stock. This was tested through a spatial comparison of the morphology of this species. Forty three morphometric characters were measured from 1079 chokka squid collected from three regions: the south coast of South Africa, the west coast of South Africa, and southern Angola. While no significant differences were found for the hard body parts, results from discriminant function analyses showed the soft body morphometric characters from each of the three regions differed, with an overall correct classification rate of 100% for males and 99% for females in all three regions. Due to the existing model being used to assess the resource currently being updated it was not feasible to apply this model to the area-disaggregated data from this study. Rather, the CPUE trends and catches from the area-disaggregated data were compared against those of the area-aggregated data, as a first attempt to discern any appreciable differences which would suggest the use of disaggregated data in future assessments. Both the trawl and jig CPUE trends from the area-disaggregated analysis differed only slightly from those of the area-aggregated data. Similarly, the spring and autumn biomass trends for the main spawning area (east of 22°E) followed the same trends as for the full area. It is therefore concluded that there is currently no need to assess the resource on an area-disaggregated basis.

Cephalopod populations typically display life-history traits such as semelparity, fast growth, and rapid response to environmental variation. The short lifespan of most squid species means that populations typically consist of single non-overlapping generations; the success of future generations therefore depends upon the ability of present generations to produce viable offspring. Pronounced inter-annual fluctuations in cephalopod population sizes reflect, at least in part, variability during the embryonic, hatchling and juvenile phases. As post-hatch survival is critically dependent upon the successful capture and consumption of zooplanktonic prey, variability in hatchling morphology (e.g. size, shape, presence of abnormality) and physiology (e.g. thermal tolerance) are likely to exert significant influence upon survival. This thesis investigates embryonic variability in two temperate loliginid squid: the Northern Hemisphere Loligo forbesi Steenstrup 1856 and the Southern Hemisphere Sepioteuthis australis Quoy and Gimard 1832. Developmental variability in L. forbesi and S. australis largely manifests via chromatophore pattern. The plasticity and thermal sensitivity of chromatophore characters exceed those of standard morphological characters (e.g. body shape and size). Elevation of incubation temperature is associated with reduced chromatophore number and heightened pattern asymmetry. Correlation between temperature and hatchling phenotype is sufficiently strong to permit estimation of mean thermal history from measure of multiple chromatophore and morphological characters. Increased water temperature is associated with increased frequency of morphological abnormality. In situ assessment of embryonic development in S. australis indicates ~89% egg viability within egg strands. Significant intra-seasonal differences in incidence of mortality and abnormality appear to reflect changes in environmental conditions. Embryos reared under fluctuating (field) thermal conditions grow faster than those reared under stable (aquaria) thermal conditions. Despite variation in size-at-hatch, no concomitant differences are observed in mantle muscle structure. The results of this thesis indicate no significant relationship between hatchling phenotype and underlying physiological processes (i.e. plasticity). I discuss the idea that quantification of embryonic development in cephalopods has relevance to both fisheries management and biomonitoring.