METHODS FOR AGE AND GROWTH DETERMINATION IN CEPHALOPODS

Different methods used in age determination of cephalopods and their impor-tance for assessment and management purposes for this group of marine or-ganisms are described in the paper. Scientific investigations have proved that indirect methods (length frequency data) are not reliable enough and should always be accompanied with one direct method, although these methods are very demanding and time consuming. Today, statoliths are the most fre-quently used direct method for age estimation. These hard structures are proved to be very useful tool in age determination in squids (Teuthida). On the other hand, there are no standard age determination techniques for cut-tlefishes and octopuses (Sepiida and Octopoda) and for these groups of cepha-lopods scientists are still searching for methods suitable for routine use. Key words: cephalopods, age and growth determination, direct and indi-rect method