234
J. Nabhitabhata
The early growth phase of the cuttlefish from hatching to 30 days of age in terms of
mantle length–age (T:d) relationship (Fig. 13.7) is expressed with the exponential
equation:
0.0482T
ML 0.0461e
=
(13.2)
The growth phase in terms of weight–age relationship (Fig. 13.8) in the early phase
is exponential:
2 0.102T
W 8.867 10 e
−
=
×
(13.3)
13.6 Ongrowing
13.6.1 System Requirements and Management
Twenty days after hatching, the cuttlefish are trained to feed on dead prey. They
are approximately 14 mm in mantle length and their normal colour turns darker.
Young cuttlefish seize prey in the water column and eat them while hovering above
Fig. 13.6  Growth in terms of the relationship between mantle length (mm) and weight (g) (after
Nabhitabhata 2002). Arrows indicate approximate age at mating (m) and spawning (s)