SOMETIMES, DURING DIVES, YOU ENCOUNTER THESE THINGS attached to the bottom. They’re squid eggs. Here’s a hint: Don’t Mess With Them

Squid Reproduction: Don’t Mess with Squid Eggs!

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2021-05-20 23:00:06

SOMETIMES, DURING DIVES, YOU ENCOUNTER THESE THINGS attached to the bottom. They’re squid eggs. Here’s a hint: Don’t Mess With Them!

Squid reproduction is a complex process that involves fertilization following the transfer of a male squid’s sperm – in the form of a single bundle called a spermataphore – into a female’s central mantle cavity for fertilization. In many shallow water species, the gonoduct for doing so is short and the male uses a specially adapted arm to place the spermatophore within the cavity. Within a female, special glands assist in nutrient manufacture and shell formation for the newly fertilized eggs.

The females then plant them in clusters, consisting of two-inch-long, finger-shaped gelatinous capsules, deposited on the seafloor or attached to algae or other features. Squid egg masses are communal, meaning that more than one squid will contribute eggs.  Each capsule holds up to 200 eggs.

Being a squid makes for a tricky life. They’re favorite prey for many ocean denizens – sharks, bony fish like jacks, whales, dolphins, eels and sea snakes. And, of course, humans. Their eggs are attractive as food for fish and other predators, as well. To ensure species survival, they produce them in the thousands.

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