FISHERIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE,MOA,TAIWAN

Uroteuthis (Photololigo) edulis is one of the main target species of the torch-light fishery in Taiwan. The samples of U. (P.) edulis were collected from the southern East China Sea between 2003 and 2008. The monthly variations of Gonadosomatic index (GSI) and percentage of mature squid indicated that U. (P.) edulis spawned in spring (March - May) and autumn (October - December). According to hydrological characteristic of southern East China Sea (waters off north Taiwan), U. (P.) edulis mainly distributed in three areas: coastal, upwelling, and frontal areas. The composition of mantle length (ML) and sexual maturity stages showed that most mature individuals occurred in the coastal and upwelling areas during spring and autumn spawning period. It indicated that the coastal and upwelling areas were the spawning grounds. During Janruary to March, U. (P.) edulis caught in the frontal area was small and immature U. (P.) edulis and it showed that it was a feeding ground.