An analysis of biological characteristics of Argentine shortfin squid Illex argentinus collected by trawl in southwest Atlantic in 2011

In base of 901individunls of Argentine shortfin squid (Illex argentinus) collected in continental shelf and slope of southwest Atlantic by twin trawls during January to April in 2011, we determined their population composition, feeding intensity, length-weight relationship and gonadal development. The results show that the mantle length of the samples increases along with the sampling time. Feeding ability of small-mantle-length groups is weaker than that of big-mantle-length ones, which is related with fecundity peak period. The regression equation between body weight and mantle length is BW = 1.0510-6ML3.5952 for males, and BW = 4.8610-6ML3.2810 for females, respectively. The mantle length of first maturity for females and males is 191.6 mm and 182.6 mm, respectively. The average mantle length in maturity Stage Ⅴis shorter than that in Stage Ⅲ and Ⅳ. The results suggests that the catch is composed of south Patagoniastock (SPS) and summer spawning stock (SSS), and recruitment of some big-mantle-length summer population is found in post trawling.