Distribution and biology of Sepietta oweniana (Pfeffer, 1908) (Cephalopoda: Sepiolidae) in the Southern Tyrrhenian Sea (Central Mediterranean Sea)

Sepietta oweniana is the most abundant species among Sepiolids in the Lower Tyrrhenian Sea. A total of 159 individuals were collected from five MEDITS trawl surveys carried out along the Southern Tyrrhenian Sea between 2000 and 2004. The mean biomass and density by microstatum (0-50 m, 51-100 m, 101-200 m, 201-500 m, 501-800 m) and macrostratum (shelf and slope) were reported. Amongst the 159 specimens collected, only 120 were in good conditions to be analysed. The mantle length varied from 15 to 29 mm and from 18 to 34 mm in males and females, respectively. The length-weight relationship showed a significant correlation for males (r = 0.819) as well as for females (r = 0.841). The relationship between gonad weight and total weight showed a significant correlation for males (r = 0.824) as well as for females (r = 0.855). There was no significant difference between males and females.