First record of predation by a tompot blenny on the common cuttlefish Sepia officinalis eggs

Abstract

We present for the first time evidences of predation on black, ink-stained eggs of the cuttlefish Sepia officinalis. Observations were carried out in the Ría de Vigo (NW Spain) at a depth of 10 m, in late April 2010. The behavior was photographed. The predator was a Tompot blenny Parablennius gattorugine. The fish attacked a cuttlefish egg mass laid on a Podweed (Halydris siliquosa). Cuttlefish embryos were in a late stage of development. The blenny behavior is described. How the fish was able to discover potential prey items in the egg capsules is discussed. We suggest that cuttlefish embryos at late developmental stages are also able to recognize potential predators during the perinatal period and avoid them after hatchling.