In a surprising discovery, scientists have observed thousands of octopuses congregating together to protect their eggs at the bottom of the ocean off the central California coast. This behavior is unusual for octopuses, which are typically solitary creatures. The researchers have now identified the reason behind this phenomenon: heat seeping up from the base of an extinct underwater volcano accelerates the hatching process of the octopus eggs.
Janet Voight, an octopus biologist at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago and co-author of the study published in Science Advances, explains that there are clear advantages to sitting in this natural hot tub. The heated nest location reduces the time it takes for the eggs to hatch, thus decreasing the risk of predation by snails, shrimp, and other predators.
The nesting site, referred to as an “octopus garden,” was first discovered in 2018 by researchers from the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and other institutions. Using an underwater remote vehicle, the team recorded the incredible sight of nearly 6,000 octopuses nesting at a depth of 2 miles. The octopuses, about the size of grapefruits, arrange themselves over their eggs laid on rocks heated by water seeping up from the sea floor. They turn their bodies upside down, pushing away potential predators and ensuring an even flow of water and oxygen around their eggs.
The researchers monitored the site for three years, studying the hatching cycle and documenting the developmental stage of eggs at 31 nests, as well as the eventual deaths of the octopus mothers. They discovered that the eggs at this site hatch after approximately 21 months, significantly shorter than the typical four-year incubation period for deep-sea octopus eggs.
Adi Khen, a marine biologist at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, comments that while colder water usually slows down development and extends lifespans in the deep sea, this particular warm spot seems to have the opposite effect. It speeds up the process.
Mike Vecchione, a zoologist at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, praises the researchers’ dedication to gathering detailed data about such a remote location. He suggests that octopus gardens like this one may be widespread and important in the deep sea, and much more remains to be discovered in these depths.
In conclusion, this fascinating study sheds light on the unexpected social behavior of octopuses and the impact of thermal conditions on their reproductive processes. By congregating at this unique hot spot, the octopuses increase the survival rate of their eggs and ensure successful hatching. This research expands our understanding of the deep sea and highlights the need for further exploration and study.
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