Journal of the Marine Biological Association of India

Population characteristics and some aspects of biology of the oceanic squid Sthenoteuthis oualaniensis (Lesson, 1830)

Volume 48 Issue 2

K. S. Mohamed,Mathew Joseph and P.S. Alloycious

Abstract

An analysis of 15 specimens of the oceanic squid Sthenoteuthis oualaniensis caught by hooks and lines from the Arabian Sea showed that the growth pattern was isometric with the length-weight relationship W = 0.0276 L^3.11. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters estimated were L_∞ = 49.1 cm; K = 0.83 yr^-1 and t_o, -0.06 yr. Other population parameters such as optimum length for exploitation, length at maturity and natural mortality rate were also estimated. Relative fecundity was 125 no. /g body weight. The egg diameter ranged from 0.7 to 0.9 mm. The scope for exploitation of the oceanic squid is discussed.

Date : 30-12-2006