Limited use of stored energy reserves for reproduction by the tropical loliginid squid Photololigo sp.

Abstract

This study sought to determine if the tropical loliginid squid Photololigo sp. stores energy in the form of lipid, carbohydrate or protein for reproductive investment. Individuals were examined for changes in morphometry, mantle muscle structure and concentrations of water, lipid, carbohydrate and protein in muscle tissue and the digestive gland, associated with the stage of reproductive maturation. Muscle mass was affected by reproductive maturation in females. Mature individuals were lighter for their length compared with females in the early stages of maturation. Concentrations of lipid and carbohydrate in the muscle tissue were very low, and female Photololigo sp. showed equivocal evidence of declining lipid and carbohydrate levels with egg production. There was no evidence of dramatic changes in protein concentration in the mantle muscle with reproductive maturation. Male Photololigo sp. showed a change in the digestive gland with maturation, with water content increasing and protein concentrations decreasing. The digestive gland of both male and female Photololigo sp. increased in size and contained less water with growth. There was little evidence that the storage and transfer of energy for reproduction occurred in Photololigo sp. Instead, it is probable that energy for reproduction is predominantly sourced directly from consumed food.