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Determining the daily spawning cycle of the chokka squid, Loligo reynaudii off the South African Coast

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Abstract

The study investigated the duration and peak of the daily spawning cycle of the chokka squid Loligo reynaudii, and the possibility of estimating the spawning frequency by means of classification and grouping (by age) of post-ovulatory follicles. Post-ovulatory follicles were classified into three types: new, intermediate or old, based in part on the degree of resorption of the follicles determined from histological sections. Ovulation in this species appears to be a rapid process, seen by the occurrence of both mature oocytes and post-ovulatory follicles in partially spent ovaries. Results suggest that chokka squid present a diel timing of spawning, with successive periods of egg accumulation at night, interrupted by periods of active spawning during the day. The ovarian cycle for this species appears typical of serial spawners. During the spawning phase ovaries go through ripe, partially spent and recovering stages by undergoing a process of maturation, ovulation and redeveloping, where a new batch of advanced oocytes is recruited. The cycle typically appears to last between 24 and 36 h, and may depend on a number of factors such as environmental conditions and the presence of predators. The short-lived (about 14 h) nature of the post-ovulatory follicles precludes the calculation of the exact spawning interval and does not allow us to accurately predict the spawning frequency. Together with the degree of oviduct fullness they do however give a good indication of imminent or recent spawning.

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Acknowledgements

We appreciate the constructive comments made by Drs. V. Laptikhovsky (Falkland Islands Government Fisheries Department) G. Pecl (Tasmania Aquaculture and Fisheries Institute) and also to the anonymous reviewer, Special thanks are due to Ms. S. Du Plessis (Marine and Coastal Management) for assistance in collecting the samples and to the South African Squid Management Association (SASMIA) for the funding of the project.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Marine and Coastal Management, Private Bag x2, Roggebaai, Cape Town, 8012, South Africa

    Y. Melo

  2. Department of Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, Rhodes University, P.O. Box 94, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa

    W. H. H. Sauer

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  1. Y. Melo
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  2. W. H. H. Sauer
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Correspondence to Y. Melo.

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Melo, Y., Sauer, W.H.H. Determining the daily spawning cycle of the chokka squid, Loligo reynaudii off the South African Coast. Rev Fish Biol Fisheries 17, 247–257 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11160-006-9034-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11160-006-9034-6

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