Signs of an extended and intermittent terminal spawning in the squids Loligo vulgaris Lamarck and Loligo forbesi Steenstrup (Cephalopoda: Loliginidae)

Abstract

The reproductive pattern of Loligo vulgaris and Loligo forbesi was studied on the basis of gonad maturation, mating and spawning in males and females of both species which were present off the northwest coast of Spain (Galicia), between February 1991 and February 1993. The mature females of both species have several modes of egg sizes and developmental stages within the ovary. Several signs indicate that both female Loligo vulgaris and L. forbesi undergo partial ovulation at the time of spawning, the spawning period being relatively long, although in no case representing the greatest fraction of the animal's life before death. Egg-laying occurring in separate batches and somatic growth between egg batchs has not been observed. This reproductive pattern is defined as intermittent terminal spawning. Some other terms describing different cephalopod reproductive strategies are also defined.