Strategy of spawning in the tropical squid Lolliguncula diomedeae females: allocation of energy, senescence, and influence of Aggregata coccidians

Abstract

Although the squid Lolliguncula diomedeae (Hoyle, 1904) is of commercial and ecological importance in the Gulf of Tehuantepec (southeastern Mexico), this is the first study to examine female spawning strategy. Information on reproductive indicators was used to assess the impact of spawning behavior on growth rates and the condition of somatic tissue, since energy for reproduction is derived mainly from somatic tissue and consumed food. Additionally, oocyte storage patterns were examined to determine the type of spawning that characterizes this species. A total of 1347 females, ranging between 27.3 and 90.0 mm dorsal mantle length (ML) and 0.1 and 25.6 g of total weight, were examined. Statolith analysis indicates that the life cycle of L. diomedeae is 212 days. Allometric growth was observed during the female life cycle. The size at maturity was 68.54 mm ML, with synchronous ovulation (by groups) and intermittent spawning. The results showed that L. diomedeae is an energetically efficient squid species that feeds during all of its reproductive life stages, thus ensuring the occurrence of partial spawning events, and that feeding ends when senescence begins. However, its life cycle could be affected by the presence of coccidian parasites, mainly during senescence.