plSSN : 0374-8111 | elSSN : 2287-8815
plSSN : 0374-8111 | elSSN : 2287-8815
plSSN : 0374-8111elSSN : 2287-8815
Reproductive and Maturation Patterns of Golden Cuttlefish Sepia esculentain the Coastal Waters of Boryeong, Korea
이슬희·이수정·권대현·최동혁*
서해수산연구소 기후환경자원과
The golden cuttlefish Sepia esculenta is a commercially valuable cephalopod species inhabiting West Sea of Korea. Despite its high economic value, ecological studies on this species are insufficient. This study provide essential reproductive data to support resource assessment and sustainable management of S.esculenta. A total of 2,933 individuals were collected from the stow net fishery in Boryeong between April 2021 and July 2025. Monthly changes in gonadosomatic index (GSI) and maturation stages were analyzed to estimate the spawning period. The GSI peaked in June and declined to its lowest value in July, suggesting that the spawning period occurs from May to July. According to the logistic model, 50%, 75%, and 97.5% sexual maturity were reached at 277.5, 317.1, and 408.9 g (mantle length=13.6, 14.3, and 16.1 cm) for females, and at 228.9, 259.9, and 332 g (mantle length=13.1, 13.7, and 15.2 cm) for males. These results provide baseline data on the reproductive ecology of S.esculenta and contribute to the development of size-based management and protection strategies for spawning season in the West Sea of Korea.
Golden cuttlefish, Sepia esculenta, Spawning, Maturation, West Sea of Korea