The optic glands are endocrine organs in the octopus and squid that play a role in sexual development and senescence. They lie between the brain and optic lobes.[1] The optic gland in female octopuses is associated with their maternal behavior of guarding their eggs without feeding.[2] This self-starvation results in the death of the female octopus before her eggs have hatched.[3] In captivity, some starving females also self-mutilate and entangle their arms in an apparent effort to die even faster.

Removal

Removal of the gland causes the octopus to abandon their eggs and return to feeding. [4] The female octopus then eats further, doubles its weight and doubles its lifespan.[5]

References

  1. ↑ Wells, Martin J.; Wells, J. (1972). "Optic glands and the state of the testis in Octopus". Marine Behaviour and Physiology. 1 (1–4): 71–83. doi:10.1080/10236247209386890.
  2. ↑ Wang, Z. Yan; Ragsdale, Clifton (October 8, 2018). "Multiple optic gland signaling pathways implicated in octopus maternal behaviors and death". Journal of Experimental Biology. 221 (19). doi:10.1242/jeb.185751. PMC 6198452. Retrieved 18 September 2021.
  3. ↑ University of Washington News Staff (May 12, 2022). "Changes in cholesterol production lead to tragic octopus death spiral". Retrieved May 15, 2022.
  4. ↑ Wang, Z. Yan; Ragsdale, Clifton (October 8, 2018). "Multiple optic gland signaling pathways implicated in octopus maternal behaviors and death". Journal of Experimental Biology. 221 (19). doi:10.1242/jeb.185751. PMC 6198452. Retrieved 18 September 2021.
  5. ↑ O'Toole, Thomas (1977-12-01). "Octopus Surgery Has a Surprising End: Longer Life". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2022-05-14.
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