Life, Passion and Death of Jumbo Squid Dosidicus gigas (Cephalopoda) in Chilean waters

Abstract

The jumbo squid Dosidicus gigas is the most abundant cephalopod species in the Southeastern Pacific Ocean supporting the biggest cephalopod fisheries in the world. Nowadays, due to its growing economic importance, its population growth and distributional expansion it is increasingly studied b. Some basic features of its biology are still unknown or have been poorly covered. In this review, we summarize the information on biology and ecology of this fascinating species in the Southeastern Pacific Ocean, in order to propose hypotheses and research lines for a better understanding of its life-history. Data on size-structure, reproduction and genetics allow putting forward hypotheses related to life history traits. We propose that adult squids spawn in offshore oceanic waters and sub-adults return to nearshore waters. We provide background about feeding and parasitism that suggest D. gigas to be an important trophic link in the Southeastern Pacific marine ecosystems. However, more studies related to feeding habits and parasite load are needed to test hypotheses proposed in this study and to advance in knowledge of this squid species.