Scientists from the Schmidt Ocean Institute studying deep-sea habitats off Chile recently came across a rare and mesmerising sight: A squid mother carrying its eggs.

Usually, squid species lay their eggs on the seafloor and leave them alone after they despatched them, but this species of squid – the black-eyed squid (Gonatus onyx) – carries and broods its eggs for several months and therefore is one of only two so far confirmed species that are known to take care off their offspring after spawning.

While releasing the video via social media, the Schmidt Ocean Institute said: “A female Gonatus onyx will carry her large egg mass for months, keeping it suspended from hooks on the squid’s arms. It is a dangerous time… brooding squid cannot move very quickly, and may be easy prey for deep-diving marine mammals.” 

“After laying the eggs she will go without feeding, and by the time they hatch, she will be close to death,” the Institute added.

The egg cluster seen on the video includes around 3,000 eggs. Researchers believe that the incubation time could be around six to nine months. While carrying its eggs, the mother squid will continue to pump water over them to ensure the eggs get enough oxygen. This movement also helps mature hatchlings to swim off once hatched.

According to observations by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI), Gonatus onyx are neutrally buoyant so they can hover completely motionless in the water column. Little else is known about the species and how or when the eggs hatch naturally, but researchers have observed that, as the egg mass blocks the squid’s mouth when carrying it, the mothers are quite weak after the eggs hatch. They suspect that the adult squids might die shortly after this pivotal moment. 

Images and video by the Schmidt Ocean Institute.

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