The Patagonian squid, Loligo gahi (Cephalopoda: Loliginidae), is a commercially important species of artisanal fisheries on the Peruvian coast. This study aims to provide preliminary information on the life cycle of this species by means of age estimation using statoliths collected in 1997. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) variation during 1996 was also determined in order to ascertain the peak spawning times and to relate hatching and spawning. The specimens were obtained from landings in the artisanal port of Callao in 1996/1997. A statolith was obtained from each of 82 individuals and these were collected, mounted and polished to count microincrements. Growth increments were revealed in the lateral dome of the statolith and were counted using a Carl-Zeiss light microscope at x400 magnification. The results suggest that the growth model that best fits the data is a power function and that the life span is approximately 1 year. The hatching dates were back-calculated to the spring, summer and autumn months, and showed two main peaks in April and December with a secondary peak in September/October. The GSI variation observed during 1996 revealed a similar secondary peak that was 1 or 2 months earlier. © 2001 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.