Reproductive system and the spermatophoric reaction of the mesopelagic squid Octopoteuthis sicula (Ruppell 1844) (Cephalopoda: Octopoteuthidae) from southern African waters

Reproductive features of the poorly known oceanic squid Octopoteuthis sicula are described and quantified to gain insight into the reproductive biology of the species. The data are based on 39 complete and partial specimens from southern African waters, collected between 1975 and 2005. The specimens ranged in mantle length from 38 mm to 290 mm and included juveniles and mature females and males. The species shows female-biased sexual size dimorphism. Ovulation is asynchronous, indicating a repeated spawning strategy. Males transfer spermatophores presumably by using their long terminal organ. Spermatangia ( discharged spermatophores) were found implanted in several parts of the body in both females and males, including in the anterior dorsal and ventral rugose, semi-gelatinous mantle tissue of maturing and mature females. This modified mantle tissue was only well developed in females. The morphologies of the spermatophore and the spermatangium of O. sicula are described. The spermatophoric reaction is reconstructed, using various stages of discharge, to provide insight into the process of intradermal implantation of spermatangia of this species.