Preview

PDF Ageing_paper.pdf | Download (426kB)

Abstract

Stylet increment analysis is a method of octopus age estimation that quantifies growth rings
within stylets (reduced internal shells found in the mantle). This method was applied to wild Octopus
pallidus to determine gender and seasonal influences on age and growth. A total of 503 individuals
(94 males and 409 females) were aged, revealing that O. pallidus can reach a maximum age of approximately
1.6 yr and that spawning occurs throughout the year. Male octopuses on average were significantly
larger (550 and 482 g for males and females, respectively) and older (259 and 243 d for males and
females, respectively) than female, and overall growth rates were positively correlated with temperature
at hatching. However, these differences were secondary to individual growth heterogeneity.
Growth of males ranged from 1.32 to 5.33% body weight (bw) d–1 and females from 1.55 to 6.9% bw d–1,
with no relationship between age and size evident regardless of sex. Stylet increment analysis is a
promising technique that could play a role similar role to statoliths in squid as an ageing tool.

Item Type:	Article
Authors/Creators:	Leporati, S and Semmens, JM and Pecl, GT
Keywords:	Octopus · Stylet increment analysis · Age · Growth · Seasonal effects
Journal or Publication Title:	Marine Ecology Progress Series
ISSN:	0171-8630
DOI / ID Number:	10.3354/meps07558
Item Statistics:	View statistics for this item

Actions (login required)

Item Control Page