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Some observations on the behaviour of adult squids, Loligo forbesi, in captivity

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 May 2009

Filipe M. Porteiro
Affiliation:
Department of Oceanography and Fisheries, University of the Azores, P-9900 Horta, Azores, Portugal
Helen R. Martins
Affiliation:
Department of Oceanography and Fisheries, University of the Azores, P-9900 Horta, Azores, Portugal
Roger T. Hanlon
Affiliation:
Marine Biomedical Institute, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77550, USA

Abstract

Thirty-four adult individuals of Loligo forbesi (males and females with dorsal mantle lengths from 27–77 cm) were observed in captivity in a 3 m diameter closed sea-water system on Faial Island, Azores. Squids were caught by jigging and were fed with horse mackerel (Trachurus picturatus) and chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus), either alive or dead. The maximum survival was 73 days. Feeding behaviour was dependent upon both the size of prey and its state of preservation;e.g. the squid would eat the head of small fish (< about 15 cm), reject the head of medium-sized fish (about 15–35 cm) and would eat only the dorsal part of a big fish (> about 35 cm) or a fish poorly preserved.

Seventeen chromatic, 9 postural and 6 movement components of body patterns were observed and described. Conspecific interactions considered to be aggression and dominance were observed among males; no such interactions occurred when one male and two females were kept together. Body patterns in relation to relaxation, stress, shock, feeding, locomotion and aggression are also described.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 1990

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