AGE, GROWTH AND MATURATION OF THE EUROPEAN SQUID LOLIGO-VULGARIS (MYOPSIDA, LOLIGINIDAE) ON THE WEST SAHARAN SHELF

Age, growth and maturation of Loligo vulgaris were studied by examination of growth increments within statoliths of 294 specimens (mantle length, ML, ranging from 31 to 498 mm) caught on the west Saharan shelf between 1985 and 1988. Maximum age was 335 d (290 mm ML) for females, and 396 d (498 mm ML) for males. Growth rates varied considerably among individuals with a greater range in males. Sexual dimorphism in length was apparent after about 210 d. Males and females diverged considerably in weight, with males reaching a greater weight after about 180 d. Growth in length between 124 and 396 d was best described by a power function, while growth in weight was best described by the Gompertz function. Males started maturing at 180-210 d and mature males ranged in age between 250 and 396 d; while females started maturing at 240-270 d and mature females ranged between 285 and 335 d. Loligo vulgaris hatched throughout the year with two distinct peaks; in winter (December-early March) and summer June-July). The life cycle of L. vulgaris populations on the west Saharan shelf lasts similar to 1 y, with large males (>450 mm ML) living slightly longer.