Distribution, abundance and growth of early stages of the glass squid Galiteuthis glacialis (Cephalopoda: Cranchiidae) captured in Prydz Bay, Antarctica during austral summer

Abstract

We describe the distribution, abundance and growth of the paralarvae and juveniles of the glass squid Galiteuthis glacialis which were collected from tows conducted at 500 m depth in Prydz Bay, Antarctica by using an Isaacs Kidd Midwater Trawl (IKMT). Paralarvae occurred in an area from 57° S to 65°30ʹ S and 57°–66° E. Early juveniles co-occurred with paralarvae at 57°–65°30′ S and 57°37′ E to 64°56′ E. Age of individuals was estimated based on statolith increment counts and ranged from 47 to 85 days with a daily growth rate ranging from 0.13 to 0.25 mm dorsal mantle length (DML)/day (mean 0.18 mm) for paralarvae. The early juveniles had an age of 85–103 days with a slightly faster growth rate ranging from 0.21 to 0.27 mm DML/day (mean 0.24 mm). The presence of paralarve of G. glacialis at the outer continental shelf edge of Prydz Bay during austral summer indicates a spawning site in this area.