Reproductive strategies of deep-sea squid (Mastigoteuthidae, Chiroteuthidae, Batoteuthidae and Cranchiidae)

Abstract

Reproductive systems of rare adult specimens of the deep-sea squid genera Chiroteuthis, Mastigoteuthis, Liocranchia, and Bathoteuthis were collected in 2006 and 2015 in the different research surveys in the Atlantic Ocean between 46°40′S and 17°11′N. Whole squids were preserved in 4% buffered formaldehyde solution, subsequently transferred into 70% ethanol and studied in laboratory condition providing initial observations on spawning pattern in these animals. The potential fecundity of Ch. cf. joubini was ~ 45,000–50,000, the maximum egg size was 1.6–1.7 mm, while those of M. agassizii were ~ 8000–16,000 and 1.7–1.9 mm respectively. A maturing female of B. skolops had ~ 4800 eggs of which some ~ 1200 were atretic. The ovary of a spent L. reinhardti contained ~ 116,500 post-ovulatory follicles and no residual egg. Mature females of Chiroteuthis and Mastigoteuthis had spematangia implanted externally in the mantle, whereas Liocranchia had a specialised spermatangia receptacle on the inside of the mantle. Reproductive adaptations of these genera are discussed in relation to spawning habits of other deep-sea squids. Synchronous ovulation was found to be a prevailing type of the gonad development with all eggs being spawned as a single batch, with ot without brooding. In some species, this single batch is not released at once but in several consequent portions exhibiting ‘extended synchronous’ spawning.