Indian Squids Can Be Gay, Says New Study
Researchers discovered spermatangia implanted on the buccal membrane of a male squid, marking the first documented evidence of same-sex sexual behaviour in Indian squid.
Thiruvananthapuram: A study by the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has, for the first time, documented both heterosexual and homosexual behaviour in Indian squid (Uroteuthis duvaucelii), while also revealing signs of early mating, repeated copulation, and the remarkable ability to store sperm.
According to CMFRI, the research uncovered fascinating and previously unknown aspects of this squid, including early mating, multiple copulations, and sperm storage. Dr Geetha Sasikumar and Dr K.K. Sajikumar of the shellfish fisheries division examined squid samples collected from the Arabian Sea off Kochi.
The study noted, “Analysis of 232 female squids revealed that 40 per cent had sperm-carrying structures (spermatangia) attached to their buccal membranes, a fleshy area right around their mouth. This indicates active mating throughout the year, with peak activity recorded in October.”
Researchers discovered spermatangia implanted on the buccal membrane of a male squid, marking the first documented evidence of same-sex sexual behaviour in Indian squid.
Previously, such behaviour had only been reported in deep-sea squids outside Indian waters, where scientists believed the dark environment might have played a role. Similar behaviour has also been observed in dolphins.
This is the first recorded case in a coastal squid species, according to CMFRI. The findings, published in the ‘Journal of Natural History’, offer new insights into the reproductive biology of one of India’s most valuable squid resources.
The study used statolith analysis to estimate the age of mated squids, finding that mating can begin as early as 98 days after hatching. Researchers observed up to 385 sperm packets attached around a single female squid’s mouth region, suggesting females may mate multiple times with different males before laying eggs.
According to researchers, this could be linked to dense spawning aggregations where random or opportunistic mating occurs, leading to rapid growth of squid populations. They believe understanding the mating system is key to improving stock assessments and developing effective conservation and fisheries management strategies.
They also emphasize the need for further behavioural and physiological studies to fully understand the species’ reproductive dynamics.
