The early growth of Indian squid, Uroteuthis duvaucelii, was examined in specimens with sizes ranging from 41 – 215 mm ML from fisheries catches in coastal waters of Central Philippines. The linear relationship between mantle length and statolith radial length indicates that statolith growth is proportional to body size growth. At 60 days after hatching in different months, growth trajectories revealed high individual growth variability. At this age, monsoons influenced the growth variation and seasonality of U. duvaucelii, revealing the squid’s high growth plasticity and adaptability towards changes in environmental conditions. During the first 40 days, the growth of female U. duvaucelii was significantly influenced by ambient temperature and food availability, indicating that these factors play a crucial role in the survival of their young. Hatching occurs continuously throughout the year, with prominent peaks in July and October. The lateral dome of the statolith contains significant amounts of trace elements, including strontium (Sr), uranium (U), magnesium (Mg), barium (Ba), and sodium (Na), which are known to be correlated with environmental conditions, habitat, and physiology of squids.
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