Some Octopus Species Lay 56,000 Eggs At A Time
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10 May 2024
Octopuses are intelligent invertebrates found in all oceans of the world
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Unlike many other invertebrates, some octopus species exhibit remarkable parental care
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One way they care for their offspring is by laying a large number of eggs, helping to ensure the survival of at least some offspring
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The number of eggs varies by species, but some octopus species lay a staggering 56,000 eggs at a time
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Octopus eggs are fertilized externally, with the male octopus transferring sperm to the female's mantle cavity
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After fertilization, the female octopus attaches the eggs to a suitable substrate, such as a rock or the underside of a ledge
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She will then meticulously care for the eggs for several weeks, cleaning them and ensuring they are well-oxygenated
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Tragically, the mother octopus will not eat during this time and often dies shortly after the eggs hatch
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The newly hatched octopuses are planktonic, meaning they drift in the ocean currents, and must fend for themselves from the very beginning
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Despite the large number of eggs, the vast majority of young octopuses do not survive to adulthood due to predation and other challenges
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Image: Reuters
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