Early post-cleavage stages and abnormalities identified in the embryonic development of chokka squid eggs <i>Loligo vulgaris reynaudii</i>

Abstract

Six early, post-cleavage embryonic stages for chokka squid Loligo vulgaris reynaudii eggs that were developed in an aquarium are identified and described, expanding the embryonic stages for this species from 14 to 20. The influence of water temperature on embryonic development is described. At temperatures <12 and >15°C, high percentages of morphological abnormalities were observed in embryonic development. Gross forms are described and illustrated.

Keywords: abnormalities, aquarium, embryonic development, chokka squid

African Journal of Marine Science 2002, 24: 379–382