#OCTOPUS TENTACLES SKIN#

It’s often the third right limb of the octopus.Īt the tip of the modified arm, there is a spoon-shaped depression with modified suckers and a section of erectile tissue known as the ligula. The hectocotylus penis has a central groove called a calamus which holds the sperm packet (the spermatophores). So, what does an octopus penis look like? Generally, it seems like the other arms, but with some modifications. In fact, they can exhibit cannibalism and may kill and eat their partner during or after sex.įor this reason, scientists believe that the male octopus has evolved a modified arm called the hectocotylus that allows them to deliver their sperm from as safe a distance as possible. The Male Octopuses Reproductive OrgansĮveryone knows that octopuses have eight arms, right?īut did you know that incredibly, one octopus leg is also the males penis?įemale octopuses can get a little bit aggressive during reproduction. Reproduction will cautiously begin once both males and females are convinced it’s an appropriate match.

Reading Suggestion: Do Octopus Attack Humans Or Even Eat Them?įemales will also judge the size of the male’s ligula, which is the erectile part at the end of the male’s hectocotylus (aka the penis arm – more on this shortly).

#OCTOPUS TENTACLES SKIN#

The male will produce complex flashing patterns across his skin and change his body shape to impress a female using his color-changing pigment cells. Males appear to look for the largest female they can find as they will produce the most eggs, leading to a greater chance that his genes will live on. Once males and females have found each other, scientists believe they both use their acute sense of sight to help decide if the other is a worthy partner. On the other hand, a different study of the spawning season off the northwestern coast of Africa suggested that “There are two spawning seasons, one in spring (May-June), and the other in autumn (September), at least in the Cape Blanc region.” vulgaris breeds throughout the year, at least in Bahamian waters.”

Reading Suggestion: Why Do Octopus Die After Mating?įor example, a 1972 lab study concluded that “O. The time of year that the common octopus tends to reproduce appears to depend on the location and perhaps is related to sea temperatures, light, and nutrition. This species typically lives for about three to five years and will reproduce once they’re reached adulthood. Keeping in mind that there are around 300 different octopus species, we’re generally going to be talking about the one that’s been studied most by scientists, the common octopus (Octopus vulgaris). So, as the octopus is typically a loner, let’s start by considering how they find a partner and when they do it.

Octopus tentacles