Scientists captured a special moment on video. The squid’s behavior is astonishing

In the depths of the ocean off the coast of Chile, scientists filmed a unique sight – a mother black-eyed squid (Gonatus onyx) carrying her egg mass across the ocean. This recording was made using an underwater robot belonging to the Schmidt Ocean Institute while surveying the seabed.

According to researchers, this rare sight is special because most squid species leave their eggs on the seabed, providing them with no further protection. However, Gonatus onyx is one of the few species that display complex care behaviors towards their offspring.

During this “caregiving”, the female Gonatus onyx carries an egg mass on her shoulders, which may contain up to 3,000 eggs, secured on special hooks. “This is an extremely dangerous time for the female,” explains the Schmidt Ocean Institute on its LinkedIn profile.

“In this state, the squid is sluggish and vulnerable to attack by deep-diving predators such as some species of marine mammals.”

The researchers note that this conservation strategy requires extraordinary effort because the squid pumps water over the eggs to ensure they have an adequate supply of oxygen. This movement also supports the later stage of hatching – more mature young are able to leave the egg casings on their own.

The incubation process of Gonatus onyx eggs lasts from six to nine months, and the female does not eat food during this time. Schmidt Ocean Institute adds: “The mother sacrifices her life to ensure the future of her offspring, often dying just after the young hatch.”

The footage, captured by the Schmidt Ocean Institute, provides a rare insight into the lives of some of the least understood sea creatures. “Watching this caring mother squid with all the devotion she gives to her eggs is a reminder of how complex and fascinating the behavior of deep-sea animals can be,” the scientists conclude.