We describe some growth aspects of Octopus vulgaris located along the eastern coast of Tunisia. Age and growth parameters of this species were studied from August 2004 to July 2005 using a modal progression analysis. Dorsal mantle length (DML)—weight relationships of O. vulgaris were established for males, females, and both sexes. Statistical tests show that growth is isometric. Comparison of the length (DML)—weight relationship for males and females does not show a significant difference. Absolute growth has been studied according to the Battacharya method, which allows one to determine the growth parameters of the von Bertalanffy model (L∞, K, and t0) and the age—length relationship. The asymptotic length (L∞) and weight (W ∞) were estimated to be 28.3 cm and 6.8 kg, respectively. We compared results with other studies in different regions. They show a comparable weight growth to the octopus in the Gabès Gulf and Occidental Mediterranean, but not to those in the Atlantic. The monthly growth rate of eastern octopus stock is superior to that seen in the Gabès Gulf.
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1 April 2012
Age and Growth of Octopus vulgaris Cuvier, 1797, Along the East Coast of Tunisia
Chédia Jabeur,
Taoufik Nouira,
Widien Khoufi,
Dalila Saidane Mosbahi,
Soufia Ezzeddine-Najai
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Journal of Shellfish Research
Vol. 31 • No. 1
April 2012
Vol. 31 • No. 1
April 2012
age—length relationship
dorsal mantle length—weight relationship
growth parameters
Octopus vulgaris
Sahel of Tunisia