Book chapter
Chapter 12 - Octopus djinda, western rock octopus
Octopus Biology and Ecology, pp.177-185
Academic Press
07/06/2024
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Abstract
Octopus djinda, the western rock octopus, is a widely distributed and abundant species in coastal habitats on the west coast of Australia. For many years, this species was treated as part of a species complex with the eastern Australian species Octopus tetricus. Existing biological and ecological knowledge about O. djinda is a function of research undertaken to support a rapidly developing fishery and the desire to establish an octopus aquaculture industry in Western Australia. Octopus djinda is a merobenthic octopus with females depositing approximately 100,000 eggs, which hatch as paralarvae approximately 2.5mm in total length. Size-at-age derived from stylet analysis have generated growth estimates for adults, who can reach a maximum weight of 4.5kg, and have a maximum lifespan of almost 2years. A species-specific fishery was established in the 1990s. In 2008, an unbaited trigger trap was developed to increase catch efficiencies and reduce catches of brooding females. Over the period 2009–19, commercial landings of O. djinda increased from less than 100t to more than 350t. Currently, development of an aquaculture industry for this species is limited by a lack of knowledge about the nutritional needs of the paralarval. The fishery data and laboratory-based studies have provided valuable insights into the biology and behaviour of O. djinda, including evidence of female mate selection. Octopus djinda has two annual spawning peaks; spring and autumn linked to periods of transitional water temperatures, i.e., warming or cooling. To date, few fisheries independent field studies have examined the population biology and ecology, or the behaviours of this species.
Details
- Title
- Chapter 12 - Octopus djinda, western rock octopus
- Creators
- Natalie A. Moltschaniwskyj - New South Wales Department of Primary Industries (Port Stephens)Karina C. Hall - New South Wales Department of Primary Industries (Port Stephens)
- Contributors
- Rui Rosa (Editor of compilation) - University of LisbonIan G Gleadall (Editor of compilation) - AiCeph LLC (Japan, Sendai)Graham J. Pierce (Editor of compilation) - Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasRoger Villanueva (Editor of compilation) - Institut de Ciències del Mar
- Publication Details
- Octopus Biology and Ecology, pp.177-185
- Publisher
- Academic Press; London, UK
- Identifiers
- 991013372735702368
- Copyright
- © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Science and Engineering
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Book chapter