What is this cuttlefish doing

[Searcaigh]

We frequently see cuttlefish on the east coast of UAE, and I have observed mating between them, however this particular cuttlefish was extending a tube like structure into the sand and my buddy and I assumed it could be laying eggs



Can anyone confirm if this is the case?

 

[DocVikingo]

We frequently see cuttlefish on the east coast of UAE, and I have observed mating between them, however this particular cuttlefish was extending a tube like structure into the sand and my buddy and I assumed it could be laying eggs. Can anyone confirm if this is the case?

It surely looks like it to me. Those are visable spermatophores (packets of sperm) that have been transferred to the mouth membrane of the female by the male.

Nice capture.

Cheers,

DocVikingo

 

[Searcaigh]

Thanks Doc, appreciate your feedback.