An unusual finding of Sepietta oweniana (Cephalopoda: Sepiolidae) egg clutch

Abstract

An unusual finding of Sepietta oweniana egg clutch at 544 m depth is described within an updating study of the reproductive aspects of the species in Sardinian waters. Egg species identity was determined by genetic analysis and morphological and biometrical data of the eggs, embryos and one newly hatched specimen are reported and discussed. Illustrations of the eggs, spermatophores and spermatangia by photographic material are also included. Data on bathymetric distribution and sexual maturity are reported and compared with data already available for the species in other geographical areas of distribution.

Keywords

• sepietta oweniana
• egg clutch
• embryos
• reproduction
• bathymetric data
• mediterranean sea