A deep-sea spa: the key to the pearl octopus’ success

Abstract

Pearl octopuses brood their eggs in abyssal warm springs more than 3 km below the sea surface. This warmth speeds up the development and hatching of their eggs, shortening the brooding period for octopus mothers tending their nests. Exploiting this rare deep-sea heat source provides a reproductive boost that ensures the survival of this abyssal octopus.