Reproductive-Biology of Todaropsis-Eblanae (Cephalopoda, Ommastrephidae) in Scottish Waters

During a study based on catches taken in the northern North Sea by selected Scottish fishing boats during 1985-1992, large numbers of the normally rare short-fin squid, Todaropsis eblanae (Cephalopoda: Ommastrephidae), were recorded in 1987 and 1990. Our findings, supported by data obtained from plankton/young fish surveys in 1988 and 1989, suggest that in northern waters Todaropsis eblanae generally mates and spawns during late summer and early autumn (June-November). Successful hatching events appear to occur during October-March, producing juvenile (stage I) squid in the early part of the year (January-June). Estimations of maximum male reproductive output and female fecundity were up to 130 spermatophores and approximately 28,000 eggs per individual, respectively.