Loligo vulgaris and Doryteuthis opalescens

Abstract

The medium-sized loliginid squids Loligo vulgaris and Doryteuthis opalescens have a long record as experimental models in cephalopod culture. The respective size of eggs (2.0-2.5 mm) and of hatchlings (2.5-3.5 mm mantle length) make them an interesting material for small-scale culture, but the high requirements for live food (copepods, crustacean larvae and/or mysids at early juvenile stages), highly active swimming behaviour and the relatively modest adult size have prevented them from becoming target species in commercial culture projects. The inherent difficulties and costs in providing food and large volume tanks to hold groups of schooling squid have an impact on profitability. However, the data obtained in culture experiments involving these species have been useful in a wider biological context. This chapter summarizes our present knowledge of their culture potential refraining from suggesting standardized methodologies.