Research reveals that male blue-lined octopuses strategically inject females with a potent neurotoxin, tetrodotoxin, during mating to prevent sexual cannibalism. This behavior is crucial as females can be significantly larger and may eat their mates. The neuromodulator immobilizes the female, allowing the smaller male to safely mate without becoming prey. The mating process lasts approximately 40 to 75 minutes. This study sheds light on unique reproductive strategies of cephalopods and the lengths males will go to ensure reproductive success.
Dr. Wen-Sung Chung stated that during mating, male blue-lined octopuses inject females with a potent neurotoxin to paralyze them, preventing sexual cannibalism.
The male blue-lined octopus employs a strategic bite to deliver venom precisely into the female's aorta at the start of copulation to ensure safety.
Research findings indicate that female blue-lined octopuses, which can be up to five times larger than males, are often prone to mating-induced predation.
Chung elaborated that during the intense mating process lasting 40-75 minutes, females become immobilized as the male injects the lethal tetrodotoxin.
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