A preliminary study on the effects of salinity on egg development of European squid (Loligo vulgaris Lamarck, 1798)

The effects of salinity on the development and incubation of European squid (Loligo vulgaris, Lamarck, 1798) eggs were investigated from December 2001 to March 2002. The egg capsules were incubated in 37parts per thousand, 34parts per thousand, 31parts per thousand, 28parts per thousand, and 0parts per thousand. salinity without any acclimation process. Mean temperature was 12 +/- 2.0degreesC. Illumination was maintained at 1.5 lux at the water surface. Full embryonic development and hatching were observed after 64-76 and 66-76 days at 37parts per thousand. and 34parts per thousand salinity, respectively. Hatching rates were estimated as 88.5parts per thousand at 37parts per thousand and 60parts per thousand at 34parts per thousand. In salinity below 34parts per thousand, the eggs died at very early stages. Average dorsal mantle lengths of the new hatchlings were 2.53 +/- 0.08 mm at 37%. and 2.48 +/- 0.11 mm at 34parts per thousand.