Preliminary study of Illex coindetii and Todaropsis eblanae (Cephalopoda:Ommastrephidae) in northern Spanish Atlantic waters

Abstract

Post-recruit Illex coindetii and Todaropsis eblanae were collected from the fishery on the Galician shelf between November 1991 and April 1992. Maturity was assessed using a maturity scale. Sex ratios, monthly length frequencies distributions and the relationship between dorsal mantle length (ML) and body weight (BW) of both species were determined. Illex coindetii males were more precocious than females. Mature males and females were found during the entire period sampled, although a considerable maturation peak in April was observed. 7bdaropsis eblanae males were more precocious than females. The spawning season starts in February and extends at least until April. No distinction is made between the two species of squid in landing statistics. The range of the northern Spanish Atlantic landings from 1980 to 1991 was 490-2352 t.