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Embryonic development of the paintpot cuttlefish (Ascarosepion tullbergi), with emphasis on benthic traits during organogenesis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 February 2026

Ayano Omura Open the ORCID record for Ayano Omura [Opens in a new window] ,
Shin-ichiro Oka ,
Taketeru Tomita ,
Haruka Takano  and
Daisuke Funabara
Ayano Omura*
Affiliation:
Graduate School of Bioresources, Mie University, Mie, Japan
Shin-ichiro Oka
Affiliation:
Zoological Laboratory, Okinawa Churashima Foundation, Okinawa, Japan
Taketeru Tomita
Affiliation:
Zoological Laboratory, Okinawa Churashima Foundation, Okinawa, Japan
Haruka Takano
Affiliation:
Zoological Laboratory, Okinawa Churashima Foundation, Okinawa, Japan Fisheries Agency Kyushu Fisheries Coordinate Office, Fukuoka, Japan
Daisuke Funabara
Affiliation:
Graduate School of Bioresources, Mie University, Mie, Japan
*
Corresponding author: Ayano Omura; Email: cuttlefish.ayano.o@gmail.com
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Abstract

The paintpot cuttlefish Ascarosepion tullbergi (Appellöf, 1886) exhibits a distinctly benthic lifestyle, in contrast to the typical ontogenetic shift from benthic to nekto-benthic modes observed in most cuttlefish species. While many cuttlefish initially attach to substrates using arms IV and the ventral mantle, they generally transition to swimming-based locomotion as they mature. A. tullbergi, however, remains benthic throughout its life, relying on arms IV and the lateral edges of the ventral mantle for attachment and using an ambling gait for locomotion from hatching to adulthood. Despite the ecological significance of benthic specialisation, embryonic development in fully benthic cuttlefish remains poorly studied, as previous research has primarily focused on nekto-benthic species. To address this gap, we described the embryonic development of A. tullbergi and compared it with that of other sepiid species. Although the overall developmental pattern of A. tullbergi is broadly similar to that of other nekto-benthic cuttlefish, this species exhibits a pronounced early investment in benthic traits, particularly in the development of arms IV and the lateral edges of the mantle. Specifically, arms IV in A. tullbergi develop earlier and more prominently than in other Sepiidae species that undergo ontogenetic shifts in life mode. This early specialisation underscores the unique ecological strategy of A. tullbergi and reflects its adaptation to a lifelong benthic niche. The present study provides a description of embryonic development in A. tullbergi and contributes to a deeper understanding of cephalopod diversity.

Keywords

adaptationbenthic lifestylecephalopodsontogenySepiidae

Information

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom , Volume 106 , 2026 , e20
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2026. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom.

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