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Squid Watching Over Eggs

In 2005, scientists from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) observed a deep-sea squid species (Gonatus onyx) that keeps close watch over her eggs.
(© 2002 MBARI)

All squid species have long been thought to lay their egg clusters on the sea floor and move on. Then in 2005, scientists from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) observed a deep-sea squid species (Gonatus onyx) that keeps close watch over her eggs. Suspended from the squid's arms by hooks, the female squid carries her brood of roughly 3,000 eggs with her to keep them safe at depths of 5,000 to 7,000 feet (1,500 to 2,500 meters). She uses her tentacles to push water through the egg cases, providing them with oxygen.