Age validation in early stages of Sepia officinalis from beak microstructure

Abstract This is the first study addressing validation of early growth stages (including increment) in beaks juvenile cuttlefishes. The age juveniles Sepia officinalis was performed by comparison number increments observed rostrum surface lower jaws with their true age. A total 159 individuals were reared at 18 ºC and 21 ºC, ages up to 31 days from hatching. beak counted contrasted life after hatching, validating hypothesis one increment corresponding day life. mean coefficient variation between readings (measuring precision) 2.95 ± 5.98%. reading area (rostrum surface) periodicity deposition showed no difference two culture temperatures therefore daily confirmed these temperatures.