Ans. Life Cycle of Sepia (Cuttlefish)
Egg Stage: Female cuttlefish lay clusters of eggs in safe, hidden places like crevices or attached to underwater structures. The eggs are encased in a protective, leathery capsule. Depending on the species, incubation can last from a few weeks to several months.
Hatchling Stage: After hatching, young cuttlefish resemble miniature adults. They are fully formed and independent, capable of hunting and camouflaging themselves immediately. They typically remain in shallow waters during this stage.
Juvenile Stage: As they grow, juvenile cuttlefish continue to develop their unique features, including the ability to change color and texture for camouflage. Their diet expands to include a wider variety of prey.
Adult Stage: Upon reaching maturity, cuttlefish migrate to deeper waters for mating. They engage in complex mating rituals, including displays of color and patterns. After mating, females lay eggs, and the life cycle begins again. Adult cuttlefish have a relatively short lifespan, often only living for one to two years.
Life Cycle of Loligo (Squid)
Egg Stage: Female squids lay large egg masses, often in sandy or muddy substrates. The eggs are encased in gelatinous tubes, which provide some protection from predators. Incubation periods can vary depending on environmental conditions, typically ranging from a few weeks to a few months.
Hatchling Stage: Squid hatchlings, known as paralarvae, emerge from the eggs. They are planktonic, meaning they drift in the water column and feed on small planktonic organisms. They have limited mobility at this stage.
Juvenile Stage: As they grow, squid develop into more recognizable forms, gaining the ability to actively hunt and evade predators. During this stage, they move into deeper waters and start schooling behavior, which provides protection and aids in hunting.
Adult Stage: Adult squids are highly mobile and are often found in large schools. They engage in elaborate mating rituals, including changes in color and complex displays. After mating, females lay eggs, and the cycle repeats. Like cuttlefish, squids have relatively short lifespans, often only living for about a year.
https://or.niscpr.res.in/index.php/IJMS/article/view/3508
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