Marine and Fishery Sciences (Jun 2020)

Mating behavior of Patagonian octopus (Octopus tehuelchus) under laboratory conditions

  • Mercedes Berrueta,
  • Julián A. Desiderio,
  • Florencia Agliano,
  • Andrea Victoria López,
  • Eddie O. Aristizabal Abud,
  • Nicolás Ortiz

DOI
https://doi.org/10.47193/mafis.3312020061807
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 33, no. 1

Abstract

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Patagonian octopus (Octopus tehuelchus) is a species that holds an artisanal fishery in the northern area of the Argentine Patagonian coast and has a potential for aquaculture development. This work aimed to characterize the mating behavior of four pairs of Patagonian octopuses under laboratory conditions. Results showed that this species has a complex reproductive behavior. Remarkably, female remained inside her shelter during pre-copula, copulation and intercourse events. Male and female faced by the oral face during sexual intercourse, which lasted 3 to 5 min. The observations will contribute to the better management of the reproductive specimens of the species in captivity.

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