Leachia pacifica (Cephalopoda, Teuthoidea): Spawning Habitat and Function of the Brachial Photophores

Abstract

Leachia pacifica reaches about 80 percent of its maximum length in near-surface waters off Hawaii, then abruptly descends to depths greater than 1,000 meters where maturation and mating occur. At these latter depths, large photophores develop on the tips of the third arms in females. The photophores provide a possible means for sexual attraction.