Cephalopod Breeding Center

Hummingbird bobtail squid (Euprymna berryi)

Habitat: Shallow sandy bottom of the Indo-pacific Islands
Life span: 6 months, sexually reproductive at 3 months
Maximum size: 50 mm ML(mantle length)

Interesting facts: This species has a symbiotic relationship with bacterium Vibrio fischeri. This bacteria is bioluminescent and is held within the light organ. This bioluminescence provides camouflage so they are not silhouetted by the moon at night when the animals are most active. Colonization of V. fischeri in the light organ occurs one hour after hatching and drives the development of the light organ tissue.

Research potentials: E. berryi is an ideal model for research due to their small size, short time to maturity, high fecundity, high survivorship in culture, and interesting biology. This species is the first cultured cephalopod to receive successful gene editing through CRISPR-Cas9 application. Cellular to extracellular communication pathways allowing for bacterial symbiosis has biomedical applications. Any quantity of embryos will be available any time throughout the year.

Projected availability: Embryo production is ~1000+ weekly. This is MBL’s most prolific cephalopod culture where any quantity or life stage of embryo, juveniles, or adults will be available year-round.

Striped pyjama squid (Sepioloidea lineolata)

Habitat: Shallow sandy bottoms of the Indo-Pacific, Eastern, Western and Southern coast of Australia.
Life span: Not well described but highly variable, approximately 8 months to 2+ years depending on water temperatures and food availability. Bret Grasse, Taylor Sakmar and others became the first biologists to close this species lifespan (egg to adult to egg) at the Monterey Bay Aquarium in 2015.
Maximum size: 50 mm ML (mantle length)

Interesting facts and research potential: This species has uniquely identifying black stripes, specific to each individual. This allows for non-invasive identification throughout their life. S. lineolata also have novel epidermal projections just behind their eyes, thought to help with their burying behavior. This distinctive anatomical feature is theorized to keep sand from interacting with the gill filaments. Striped pyjama squid are particularly hardy in laboratory. They are extremely tolerant of high stocking densities and research manipulations. Females are highly productive reproductively, producing between 50-100 eggs weekly.

Projected availability: Embryo production is ~200+ weekly. Hatchlings, juveniles, and adults are routinely available year-round at any age or life stage.

Pygmy zebra octopus (Octopus chierchiae)

Habitat: Small rocks, shells, and cracks in the pacific waters of Central America (Nicaragua, Panama, Costa Rica).
Life span: approximately 1.5 years, sexually reproductive at approximately 6 months.
Maximum size: 30mm (mantle length)

Interesting facts and research potential: This octopus species is ideally suited for laboratory research due its predictable reproduction, short time to maturity, small adult size, and unique ability to lay multiple egg clutches (iteroparity). Females can lay up to 12 separate egg clutches over their reproductive life stage, with new eggs laid every 30-90 days. Males of this species are sexually dimorphic, with small papillae on the tips of their arms rather than suckers.

Potential availability: Quantities are limited as MBL continues pioneer culture efforts and develops this resource. Please email Bret Grasse <bgrasse@mbl.edu> directly to inquire about purchase options.

California two-spot octopus (Octopus bimaculoides)

Habitat: Shale beds, rocky dens, and diverse habitats found off the southern coast of California.
Life span: Approximately 2 years, 8 months until sexually mature (temperature dependent)
Maximum size: 180mm ML(mantle length)

Interesting facts and Research potential: Flashes bright blue iridescent circles below their eyes to communicate with other octopuses or potential predators. O. bimaculoides was the first ever cephalopod genome sequenced, cover of Nature. Easy to culture in laboratory settings, very high survivorship percentages in hatchlings. Can regenerate entire arms with full movement and sucker articulation.

Potential availability: Embryos available to order anytime, first come first serve. Juveniles and adults are available occasionally most of the year.

Stumpy-spined cuttlefish or dwarf cuttlefish (Sepia bandensis)

Habitat: Shallow coastal waters with reefs and habitat with refuge. Found in Indonesia and the Philippines.
Life span: 7-10 months, sexually mature at 3.5 months
Maximum size: 70mm ML(mantle length)

Interesting facts and Research potential: Robust small species of cuttlefish that’s easy to culture in laboratory. Capable of impressive camouflage. Commonly display the “passing cloud” behavior where they pulse rhythmic bands of color over their back. Genome currently being developed. Interesting social dynamics and interactions.

Projected availability: Embryos are available year-round in any quantity. Juveniles and adults are commonly available most of the year in small quantiles.