Deep-sea squid mom carries eggs to keep them safe from predators
During a recent deep-sea dive, MBARI researchers encountered this incredibly rare sight—a deep-sea squid (Bathyteuthis sp.) grasping hundreds of eggs in her arms. This squid mom was spotted at 1,390 meters (4,560 feet) deep more than 90 kilometers (56 miles) offshore of MBARI’s facilities in Moss Landing, CA. The stunning ultra high-definition resolution 4K video from the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) Doc Ricketts allows researchers to examine the pelagic parent in astounding detail.
Most squids reproduce by depositing egg cases on the seafloor or releasing eggs in a gelatinous mass that drifts in open water. While exploring the depths of Monterey Bay in 2005, MBARI researchers first encountered a female Bathyteuthis sp. carrying a sheet of eggs in her arms. Scientists think these nurturing mothers will carry the eggs until they hatch to improve their babies’ chances for survival. Brooding is common among bottom-dwelling octopuses, but we’ve only observed this behavior in three squid species. Researchers suspect other deep-dwelling squids may also turn out to be brooders. This is only the second time we’ve spotted a brooding Bathyteuthis sp. since that first sighting over 17 years ago!
The deep ocean is challenging to study and we only get brief glimpses into the behaviors of deep-sea animals. MBARI’s archive of thousands of hours of underwater video has helped illuminate life in the largest living space on Earth. MBARI researchers can document remarkable new species and learn how these animals feed, escape predators, and reproduce. Each observation logged by our ROVs provides another piece of the puzzle and helps improve our understanding of life in the deep.
Learn more in MBARI’s Creature feature:
Learn more about pelagic parenting:
Publication: Bush, S.L., . Hoving,, C.L. Huffard, B.R. Robison, and L.D. Zeidberg (2012). Brooding and sperm storage by the deep-sea squid Bathyteuthis berryi (Cephalopoda: Decapodiformes). Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, 92(7): 1629-1636.
Video producer/editor: Kyra Schlining
Production team: Raúl Nava, Nancy Jacobsen Stout, Susan von Thun
Music: Girl That I Dream About by BigFish (Motion Array)
33 views
171
46
10 years ago 00:00:22 41
Deep-sea squid bioluminescence
4 years ago 00:00:36 21
Deep-sea squid (Magnapinna sp.)
6 years ago 00:02:56 17
Pelagic parenting: A deep-sea squid broods its eggs
7 years ago 00:02:41 13
Anthology of Deep Sea Squids
7 years ago 00:02:47 1
Deep-Sea Discoveries: Squid Graveyard
6 years ago 00:00:36 7
Deep sea squid Magnapinna sp
10 years ago 00:01:51 14
DEEP SEA ALIEN-LIKE SQUID
10 years ago 00:03:19 195
Hiding in plain sight: Mimicry in a juvenile deep-sea squid
3 years ago 00:01:00 33
Deep-sea squid mom carries eggs to keep them safe from predators
9 years ago 00:02:48 1
Deep Sea Predation: Squid Eats Fish | Nautilus Live
9 years ago 00:02:49 3
The case of the green-eyed squid: Fluorescence in the deep-sea squid Histioteuthis
4 years ago 00:10:02 1
Way Fishermen Catch Giant Squid in Deep Sea - Squid Processing Skills on Board - Catch Big Squid
2 years ago 00:01:33 486
Piglet squid from deep is almost see-through
12 years ago 00:02:37 26
A deep-sea valentine
3 years ago 00:09:54 108
10 minutes of fascinating deep-sea animals | Into The Deep
4 years ago 00:01:15 7
Giant Deep-Sea Squid Of The Wider Caribbean Region
4 years ago 00:01:14 13
First-of-its-kind footage of large, deep-sea squids hunting
9 years ago 00:00:38 308
Cannibalism in the deep sea
9 years ago 00:03:35 11
Grimalditeuthis bonplandi: A deep-sea squid with tentacle tips that “swim“ on their own
1 year ago 00:03:18 38
You’re Not Hallucinating. That’s Just Squid Skin. | Deep Look
10 years ago 00:03:13 30
Deep Sea Mystery Solved in Turkey (Storyful, Animals)