According to the Schmidt Ocean Institute, deep-sea scientists captured rare footage of a black-eyed squid carrying a massive cluster of up to 3,000 eggs off the coast of Chile. While most squid species abandon their eggs on the seafloor, the brooding behavior of Gonatus onyx forces the mother to endure months of high predation risk without feeding to protect her offspring.
Deep-Sea Expedition Captures Brooding Black-Eyed Squid Off Chile
An underwater robot deployed by the Schmidt Ocean Institute recorded the footage during a seafloor expedition in autumn 2024. The video documents a female black-eyed squid swimming through the deep ocean while suspending thousands of eggs from hooks on her arms. Marine scientists note that this maternal care leaves the animal vulnerable to deep-diving marine mammals because the encumbered squid cannot swim quickly.
The Exhausting Months of Brooding and Oxygen Maintenance
Incubation for the species spans an estimated six to nine months, during which the mother continuously pumps water over the egg cluster. According to the Schmidt Ocean Institute, this constant movement supplies vital oxygen to the developing embryos and helps mature hatchlings break free from the egg mass when they are ready to swim independently. The prolonged care exacts a severe physiological toll; the mother goes without food entirely throughout the brooding period, leaving her close to death by the time the eggs hatch.
Did you know? Unlike most cephalopods that spawn and leave their eggs unprotected, the black-eyed squid is part of a small group of species that invest months in direct parental care at the cost of their own survival.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many eggs does a black-eyed squid carry?
A single female carries a cluster containing up to 3,000 eggs suspended from hooks on her arms.
Do most squid species care for their young?
No, the majority of squid species deposit their eggs directly onto the seafloor and provide no parental care.
How long does the incubation period last?
Incubation typically lasts between six and nine months, according to marine researchers.
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