Geographical Distribution of Two Subspecies of Common Cuttlefish off the Northwest Coast of Africa

Abstract

The geographical distribution of two subspecies belonging to Sepia officinalis Linnaeus Off the northwest coast of Africa was examined, using the materials collected by Japanese trawlers. Results obtained are as follows: (1) The southern boundary of Sepia oficinalis oficinalis is in the vicinity of the Cap Vert. (2) The northern boundary of S. o. hierredda is at the latitude of Cap Blanc. (3) S. o. hierredda is found mainly in waters shallower than 50 meters and S. o. officinalis is found in every depth until at least 110 meters off the coast of Mauritania where both subspecies have been inhabiting commonly. © 1979, The Japanese Society of Fisheries Science. All rights reserved.