Age validation of the growth lamellae in the cuttlebone from cultured Sepia pharaonis at different stages

Abstract

Here we examine growth rates of lamellae in the cuttlebones of Sepia pharaonis reared at different stages and temperatures (20, 25 and 30°C). Juveniles showed a faster and more stable increase in the number of lamellae than hatchlings. Different temperatures affect the widths of increments; these decrease as the temperature increases from 20 to 30°C. Our results suggest that in S. pharaonis the pattern of growth of the cuttlebone's structure does not follow a ‘daily’ increment, and that increments of lamellae vary between life stages. The growth of the cuttlebone is therefore considered to be affected by a combination of physiological and environmental factors.