Octocoral colonies as spawning ground for the cuttlefish Sepiella inermis (Cephalopoda: Sepiidae)

Abstract

Corals are key ecosystem engineers, supporting marine biodiversity by providing nursery ground and living habitat. Among corals, octocorals are a diverse group of soft corals that are an integral part of reef ecosystems. In the present study, the association between two octocoral corals Pseudopterogorgia sp. K�kenthal, 1919 and Menella sp. Gray, 1870, and the cuttlefish Sepiella inermis were described from the intertidal region of the highly urbanized seascape of Mumbai, India. S. inermis used the octocorals as spawning substratum during their spawning season in October-November, 2020. Out of 92 octocoral colonies from two sites, 48.9% were found with cuttlefish egg capsules attached. 36 (57.14%) out of 63 colonies and 9 (31.03%) out of 29 colonies were hosted with cuttlefish eggs capsules at Marine Drive (a protected bay) and Worli (a site exposed to wave action). This suggests that cuttlefish prefer to lay their eggs in protected areas irrespective of the octocoral species. The presence of cuttlefish eggs on octocorals and absence on other possible structures highlights the ecological importance of octocorals, the necessity of proactive conservation measures, and comprehensive studies to protect this crucial intertidal habitat in urban coastlines.