A study of the reproductive biology of the loliginid squid, Alloteuthis subulata in the North Sea, Irish Sea and Portuguese waters was carried out. A predominance of
small squid (<50 mm ML) during autumn was observed in all three areas.
Multi-modal size-frequency distributions were apparent in both sexes. The
greatest complexity was observed in Portuguese waters, with males exhibiting
possibly four or more modal size classes. Sexually mature squid were found
throughout the year, with generally more mature squid in spring-summer and
fewer in autumn-winter. In Portuguese waters, maturity in both sexes peaked
in spring, whereas maturity in the other areas peaked in summer. Similar
sizes-at-maturity were observed, with male squid maturing over a greater
size range (40–125 mm ML) than females (30–50 mm ML). An apparent
secondary peak in male maturity at 65 mm ML suggests two different
size-maturation patterns in Portuguese waters. Estimates of potential
fecundity in the Irish Sea ranged from $\sim $2200–13 500 eggs per female.
Mean egg diameters of 0.45 mm and 1.55 mm were recorded for developing
oocytes and mature ova, respectively. Three to four modal size classes of
oocytes were apparent in each ovary. There was some indication of
latitudinal effects on growth, maturation and reproduction of A. subulata across its
geographic range. The greater complexity of size-structure in warmer waters
suggests that water temperature may be the main factor involved, possibly
through shorter incubation times, faster growth and maturation rates and
extended spawning periods.