Deep-sea squid mom carries eggs to keep them safe from predators

During a recent deep-sea dive, MBARI researchers encountered this incredibly rare sighta 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 MBARIs 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 weve 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 weve 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. MBARIs 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 MBARIs Creature feature: https://www.mbari.org/products/creature-feature/deep-sea-squid
Learn more about pelagic parenting: https://youtu.be/Y6Rd1xVQ-o4

Publication: Bush, S.L., H.J.T. 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. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0025315411002165

Video producer/editor: Kyra Schlining
Production team: Ral Nava, Nancy Jacobsen Stout, Susan von Thun
Music: Girl That I Dream About by BigFish (Motion Array)