During his comprehensive research exploits on cephalopod development, the late Sigurd von Boletzky (1942вЂ“2020) also sought to shed light on specific adaptations that eggs and embryos of these enigmatic deep-sea octopods might show. This renders studying the general biology of adult cirrate specimens a difficult task, but even more so when it comes to gathering knowledge on their early life stages.

The finned or dumbo octopods (Octopoda: Cirrata) constitute a cephalopod (Mollusca: Cephalopoda) taxon almost exclusively comprising organisms that inhabit the deep-sea. These data provide evidence that dumbo octopods hatch as competent juveniles. In addition, the presence of a large internal yolk sac reduces the risk of failure at first feeding. The specimen's behavior and advanced state of organ development show that cirrate hatchlings possess all morphological features required for movement via fin-swimming, for visually and chemically sensing their environment, and for prey capture. Here, we provide the first video of a living hatchling and use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to analyze its anatomy and assign the specimen to the genus Grimpoteuthis, the so-called dumbo octopods. Although juveniles have previously been collected in the midwater, cirrate hatchlings have so far never been observed.

Development in cirrates proceeds for an extended time without parental care.

The egg capsule is comprised of an external egg case as well as the chorion and developing embryo. These organisms have long been known to lay single, large egg capsules on hard substrates on the ocean bottom, including cold-water octocorals (Anthozoa: Octocorallia). Cirrate octopods (Cephalopoda: Cirrata) are among the largest invertebrates of the deep sea.

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