In this study, we aimed to estimate the age, growth, and population structure to explore the life history of purpleback flying squid (Sthenoteuthis oualaniensis) by statolith microstructure in the waters of the Xisha Islands of the South China Sea. The purpleback squid, S. oualaniensis, has been the most important economic cephalopod resource of the South China Sea; however, little is known about its life history, especially i...