3. Results
3.1. Biological data
L. forbesi of both sexes were smallest in spring 2004 and
reached maximum average size in winter. The proportions
of mature animals were highest in winter and spring and
lowest from April to June. Squid caught in spring 2005
were significantly larger and more mature than squid
caught in spring 2004. Mature L. forbesi were recorded in
the English Channel in July. Apart from the Scottish
sample collected in July, the proportion of male squid
amongst the mature squid caught was always higher than
that of female squid. Small immature specimens were
present in most months, although the proportion of these
‘‘recruits’’ increased during the summer.