Sepioteuthis lessoniana complete their entire life cycle within 4-6 months of birth! They grow quite rapidly and reach about 0.4-2.2 kg when full grown. When fully grown, this small squid can weigh anywhere from 1 pound to 5 pounds. Sexual maturity in Sepioteuthis lessoniana is on average 171 days old (5.7 months).
Prior to sexual activity males become rather aggressive. They battle with other males using certain body patterns and posing. Mating can occur in two different ways; the head-head position and the male-parallel position. During these activities, the males grasp the females and insert their hectocotylus into the mantle cavity of the female and release the spermatophores. While males generally remain with the females while the eggs are being lain, Sepioteuthis lessoniana have temporary mating partners.
In order to lay eggs there must be tall, thin plants such as Sargassum ringgoldianum or a rock that the female will be able to attach the eggs to. The eggs are laid in a single, straight series within the egg strand. These egg strands are common to find along shore lines on the Australian and Japanese
borders. For more information on the reproductionof Sepioteuthis lessoniana please visit the
Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute
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