Feeding habits of spawning females of Illex coindetii

Abstract

Results of the marine cultivation have demonstrate several favorable aquaculture characteristics of cephalopods, i. e., high growth rates, short life cycle, and high fecundity. However, there are also several obstacles particularly in squid species. Some squids such those of the Ommastrephidae family have been considered as good resources for this activity. Illex coindetii in the western Mediterranean Sea was used as a model for the culture of squids and we analyzed the stomach contents of 99 mature females, of which the eggs were removed and used for in vitro fertilization. Mature females were ranged between 167 and 205 mm mantle length and with a weight ranged between 113.5 and 227.63 grams. The results of the stomach analysis showed that the mature females fed mainly on the crustacean Phasiphaena sivado 57% IRI, unidentified fish 27% IRI, and myctophid fish 3% IRI. The presence and importance of P. sivado in the feeding habits of I. coindetii can be related to the good quality of the eggs used in the in vitro fertilization, due to the lipid composition of this crustacean increases energetic reserves of squid egg