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Egg brooding by deep-sea octopuses in the North Pacific Ocean
1Department of Zoology, Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, Illinois 60605, USA. Jvoight@fmnh.org
The Biological Bulletin
|March 9, 2000
Summary
Deep-sea octopuses, Graneledone and Benthoctopus, attach eggs to hard substrates and brood them. Their distribution and brooding behavior are influenced by hard substrate availability on the ocean floor.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Deep-Sea Ecology
- Cephalopod Behavior
Background:
- Deep-sea octopuses exhibit brooding behavior, attaching eggs to substrates.
- Limited knowledge exists on deep-sea octopus distribution and substrate association.
Purpose of the Study:
- Document brooding behavior of Graneledone and Benthoctopus octopuses.
- Investigate the influence of hard substrate availability on octopus distribution.
- Explore prey-predator relationships in the deep sea.
Main Methods:
- Submersible Alvin observations at Baby Bare and two other deep-sea sites.
- Analysis of videotapes documenting octopus behavior and egg attachment.
- Examination of thyasirid clam shells for evidence of predation.
Main Results:
- Octopuses attach eggs to hard substrates and brood them.
- High density of brooding females observed at Baby Bare, linked to substrate availability.
- Evidence suggests octopuses preyed on thyasirid clams.
Conclusions:
- Hard substrate availability significantly impacts deep-sea octopus distribution and brooding.
- Mature female octopuses show increased association with hard substrates.
- Baby Bare's unique biology highlights the importance of isolated hard substrates in the deep sea.