Breeding biology of the spineless cuttlefish Sepiella inermis (Orbigly)
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Date
2002-03
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Indian J. Fish.,
Abstract
Studies on the seasonal occurrence of maturity stages of Sepiella inermis revealed
that this species is a prolonged breeder as mature and spent specimens
were recorded almost round the year. Two peak spawning periods, one in November
and another in March were observed. Mature animals were represented
by a wider length range ruling out the possibility of semelparity. The
gonodosomatic and nidamental gland indices increased during maturation. The
females attained maturity earlier than males. Fecundity showed a significant
correlation with dorsal mantle length. Cuttlefishes contribute substantially to
the cephalopod fishery of Thoothukkudi (8'47' N,, 78"9' E), located in south east
coast of India. Out of the three species of cuttlefishes, viz. Sepia pharaonis,
Sepia aculeata and Sepiella inurmis, which form commercial fishery in this coast,
S.inerrnis is notable for its year round occurrence.
Description
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