Sex identification and mating in the blue-ringed octopus, Hapalochlaena lunulata

Abstract

We studied the reproductive behaviour of the blue-ringed octopus, Hapalochlaena lunulata, in the laboratory by examining 15 male–male and nine male–female interactions. The initiation of physical contact was independent of sex, size or residency status, and there were no noticeable changes in behaviour such as sexual displays associated with courtship or aggression prior to contact. Males did not distinguish between females or other males and copulated (defined as the insertion of the hectocotylus into the mantle cavity of another octopus) readily with both. Spermatophores were released in all copulations with females but not with males. The duration of copulation was significantly longer in male–female interactions (median 160.5min) than in male–male interactions (median 30s). Although male–male copulations ended passively with the withdrawal of the hectocotylus by the initiating animal, male–female copulations were always terminated by the females following an intense struggle. These studies suggest the inability of male H.lunulata to determine the sexual identity of potential mates prior to the insertion of the hectocotylus and demonstrate the active role of the female during copulation.