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How do squids reproduce?
It is known that the adult male squid attracts a mate with the highly erotic "dance des jambes" or
"dance of the arms." When a mate has been attracted, of the right species, the paired squids proceed to exchange genetic material
through a process known as "squirming". This activity completed, the female deposits fertilized eggs on any handy surface,
and both depart.
Upon hatching, the newborn squid, referred to as "armlings", must immediately fend for themselves in
a hostile sea. For the first few weeks, they survive of algaes and plankton, before their beaks harden, and they begin the
lifelong ritual of nightly on-shore sneakings, in search of seeds.
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Reproduction and Life cycle
Cephalopods grow into maturity in a very short time, from 3
– 5 years. Squids do not live a very long life, which is why females release such enormous amounts (about 11 pounds)
of egg to ensure the continuation of their species. Squids usually spawn in groups. Males store packets of sperm called spermatophore
in specialized, long arms, which are penetrated through the female’s mantle during a mating session of just 15 seconds.
While most squid lay their eggs in masses on the sea bed, some squid carry a clutch of eggs to guard them. The adult squid
does not live long after mating. Baby squid hatch as larvae and grow into maturity in about 3-5 years.
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Reproductive system
In female squid, the ink sac is hidden from view by a pair of white midamental glands, which lie anterior to the gills. There are also red-spotted accessory nidamental
glands. Both of these organs are associated with manufacture of food supplies and shells for the eggs. Females also have a
large translucent ovarys, situated towards the
posterior of the visceral mass.
Male squid do not possess these organs, but instead have
a large testis in place of the ovary, and a spermatophoric gland
and sac. In mature males, this sac may contain spermatophores, which
are placed inside the mantle of the female during mating.
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These are of baby squids.....
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