Reproductive biology of Pharaoh cuttlefish Sepia pharaonis Ehrenberg, 1831 along the Gujarat coast, India

Gujarat is a leading maritime state in the production of marine finfish and cephalopods India. The are one major fishery resources along region having good domestic export demand. These exploited majorly by bottom trawls region. Sepia pharaonis contributes nearly 20 % to cephalopod landings Gujarat. However, reproductive biology cephalopod, poorly known from specimens for biological analysis with fishing operations data using structured questionnaire were collected multi-day trawlers based at Veraval Fishing Harbour period 2017 – 18. maximum observed length (Dorsal Mantle Length (DML)) among all was 361 mm mean DML 239.52 (sample range DML). Sex ratio revealed that males dominant over females (M: F = 1:0.75) catch composition. size first maturity 213.1 DML, which lower than fishery. month-wise significant variations (p < 0.05) values GSI NSI during study peak indicate spawning season proportion stages different months as well indices indicates perennial activity December March months. ova diameter studies ovum sizes 0.99 14.30 (6.52±3.35). fecundity varied 1,358 6,005 (average 2,883). current research maiden attempt further supports formulation management plans sustainable exploitation resource.