Mating Behavior of a Deep-Sea Squid Revealed by in situ Videography and the Study of Archived Specimens

Whales and cephalopods in a deep‐sea arms race

“…While some cephalopods occur in aggregations (e.g., ommastrephids, some species in the deep scattering layer; Benoit‐Bird et al 2017), or as mating pairs (Hoving and Vecchione 2012), surprisingly, the vast majority of deep‐sea cephalopods are observed as single individuals (Hoving et al 2012; Vecchione 2019). Biologging records of toothed whale hunting behavior also support non schooling prey.…”

“…Instead, dispersed individuals may remain below the density threshold and escape pursuit. In this light, it becomes apparent that mating in deep‐sea cephalopods might be dangerous, possibly explaining brief, nonselective mating behavior in some (Hoving et al 2012) and sperm storage in most deep‐sea squids (Hoving et al 2012; Hoving and Vecchione 2012; Vecchione 2019). Increased acoustic backscatter from the benthos, limiting the detection by acoustic predators, may have selected for close occurrence and mating near the seafloor (e.g., Pholidoteuthis adami ) (Hoving and Vecchione 2012).…”

“…In this light, it becomes apparent that mating in deep‐sea cephalopods might be dangerous, possibly explaining brief, nonselective mating behavior in some (Hoving et al 2012) and sperm storage in most deep‐sea squids (Hoving et al 2012; Hoving and Vecchione 2012; Vecchione 2019). Increased acoustic backscatter from the benthos, limiting the detection by acoustic predators, may have selected for close occurrence and mating near the seafloor (e.g., Pholidoteuthis adami ) (Hoving and Vecchione 2012). A disadvantage of occurring closer to the seafloor is that escape directions are reduced.…”

Deep-sea predator niche segregation revealed by combined cetacean biologging and eDNA analysis of cephalopod prey

“…Cephalopods have only one reproductive episode before death (semelparity), leading to a relatively high gonadal investment (14,16) and mature individuals of enhanced energetic value and volume (i.e., carrying ripe eggs). Moreover, mating and brooding squids can be compromised in their escape responses (35,37). Whereas Risso's dolphin foraging was predominantly pelagic, Cuvier's beaked whale also targeted benthic habitat, suggesting beneficial and possibly enhanced foraging opportunity at and near the bathyal seafloor.…”

Deep-sea echinoids and holothurians (Echinodermata) near cold seeps and coral communities in the northern Gulf of Mexico

“…For recent examples, see Hoving and Vecchione (2012) and Pietsch et al (2013) for GOM squid and fishes, respectively. For the echinoderms, numerous publications, such as those by Heezen and Hollister (1971), Pawson (1976Pawson ( , 1982, and more recently Bluhm and Gebruk (1999), Gebruk (2008), and Rogacheva et al (2013), have revealed much about the autecology and synecology of deep-sea echinoderms.…”