Age and Growth of the Myosid Squid Loliolus Noctiluca in Western Port, Victoria, Determined from Statolith Microstructure Analysis

Abstract

Growth in Loliolus noctiluca (Myopsida: Loliginidae) in Western Port, Victoria, Australia was studied from statolith growth increments. Tetracycline staining experiments verified previous work on tropical forms of this species that showed growth increments to be deposited daily. A logistic growth function described the relationship between length and increment number. There appear to be major differences in the form of growth, longevity and life history pattern between tropical and temperate forms of this species. These are probably attributable to differences in environmental conditions.