Reproduction and Symbiotic Relations
When octopuses reproduce, the male uses a specialized arm called a hectocotylus to insert spermatophores (packets of sperm) into the female's mantle cavity. The hectocotylus inbenthic octopuses is usually the third right arm. Males die within a few months of mating. In some species, the female octopus can keep the sperm alive inside her for weeks until her eggs are mature. After they have been fertilized, the female lays about 200,000 eggs.
Underwater research studies show evidence of a range of symbiotic relationships. Divers in the tropical waters around Papua New Guinea have revealed some fascinating examples. Some Goby species, for protection live in the spines of toxic sea urchins. Gobies and shrimps act as cleaner fish, shrimps even hitch a ride on sea cucumbers in return for the cleaning service. The client fish may change color to signal "cleaning time" or to highlight the existence of parasites. Gobies and the partially blind shrimp species may co-habitate. The Goby guards the shrimp, burrow till it is safe for the shrimp to emerge and the Goby gets a burrow to call home. Finally, there are the symbiotic "mimics". In self-defence, the Harlequin snake eel mimics the poisonous black and white Banded sea snake. And an octopus changes shape to enhance its predator skills and for protection.
Underwater research studies show evidence of a range of symbiotic relationships. Divers in the tropical waters around Papua New Guinea have revealed some fascinating examples. Some Goby species, for protection live in the spines of toxic sea urchins. Gobies and shrimps act as cleaner fish, shrimps even hitch a ride on sea cucumbers in return for the cleaning service. The client fish may change color to signal "cleaning time" or to highlight the existence of parasites. Gobies and the partially blind shrimp species may co-habitate. The Goby guards the shrimp, burrow till it is safe for the shrimp to emerge and the Goby gets a burrow to call home. Finally, there are the symbiotic "mimics". In self-defence, the Harlequin snake eel mimics the poisonous black and white Banded sea snake. And an octopus changes shape to enhance its predator skills and for protection.