Morphometry of the northern Patagonian sympatric populations of Loligo sanpaulensis and Loligo gahi

Abstract

Loligo gahi and Loligo sanpaulensis (Mollusca: Cephalopoda), two squid species presently under exploitation in the south-west Atlantic, are sympatric in coastal waters of northern Patagonia. In the present study, the morphometry of both species' northern Patagonian populations was analysed and compared. Relationships between the morphometric variables and mantle length, the standard measure of size for squids, are allometric in most cases. Weight and fin length show different rates of growth relative to mantle length in males and females of both species. Fin length, fin width and mantle length are the best morphometric variables to discriminate the mantle/fin complexes. Free rachis length, gladius length and gladius width are the most useful to separate both species' pens. The best discrimination of the tentacles is provided by the diameter of the central and marginal suckers and the number of teeth on the three largest sucker rings. Discriminant functions are provided to allow the classification of individuals from both species and the identification of pens and tentacle clubs found in predators digestive contents.