Age, Growth and Population Structure Analyses of the Purpleback Flying Squid Sthenoteuthis oualaniensis in the Northwest Indian Ocean by the Statolith Microstructure

A total of 1177 Sthenoteuthis oualaniensis were randomly collected from the northwest Indian Ocean February between May 2019 and 2020 by lighting falling-net vessels. The age, growth, population structure S. studied based on statolith microstructure. results showed that range mantle length (ML) was 123–562 mm for females 88–273 males, body weight (BW) 78–6268 g 82–518 males in 2020, respectively. hatching date extended to December, with samples mainly composed autumn population, while mostly summer population. analysis covariance (ANCOVA) there significant differences growth ML–age BW–age sexes. In model relationship, both best described s linear model, a logarithmic model. relationship as logarithmically exponentially, average absolute daily rate (AGR) instantaneous (IGR) ML 0.85 mm/d 0.40%/d, AGR IGR 0.65 0.18%, faster than 2020. This study provided basic information oualaniensis, which will supply scientific basis stock assessment sustainable development.