REPRODUCTIVE CYCLE OF THE CUTTLEFISH, SEPIA OFFICINALIS (L.) IN THE NORTHERN PART OF THE BAY OF BISCAY

The sexual cycle of the cuttlefish, Sepia officinalis, fromthe northern part of the Bay of Biscay was followed over severalyears (1988 to 1990 and 1992 to 1993). Successive maturity stagesare reached at the same time regardless of site in the northernpart of the Bay. In this area, the majority of cuttlefish reproduceduring their second year of life (group II) whereas the remainderreproduce in their first year (group I). The first visible signsof sexual development concern the testis in males and the genitaltract in females. Males mature earlier than females: the firstspermatophores appear in July (group II) and October (groupI) while mature eggs appear from December (group II) and March(group I). The breeding season lasts from about mid-March tolate June (3.5 months). (Received 2 February 1996; accepted 30 May 1996)