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Cannibalism in cephalopods

  • Christian M. Ibáñez
  • Friedemann Keyl

Abstract

Cannibalism refers to the action of consuming a member of the same species and is common in many taxa. This paper reviews the available literature on cannibalism in cephalopods. All species of the class Cephalopoda are predators and cannibalism is common in most species whose diet has been studied. Cannibalism in cephalopods is density-dependent due to their aggressive predatory and in case of the octopuses territorial nature. It also depends upon local and temporal food availability and of the reproductive season. Cannibalistic behaviour is positively related to the size of both cannibal and victim. It can affect population dynamics of cephalopods in periods of low food availability and/or high population abundance. Cephalopods are generally restricted in their ability to store energy. It is thus assumed that cannibalism is part of a population energy storage strategy enabling cephalopod populations to react to favourable and adverse environmental conditions by increasing and reducing their number. Finally, we propose five orientation points for future research on cannibalism in cephalopods.

Cite this activity

Ibáñez C.M. and Keyl F. (2010) Cannibalism in cephalopods. Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries 20(1): 123-136. 10.1007/s11160-009-9129-y

Details

Date 01.03.2010
Journal Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries
Issue 1
Volume 20
Pages 123-136
Open Access Closed Access
Open Access Status Closed Access
Eprints_link https://cris.leibniz-zmt.de/id/eprint/2983
Peer-Reviewed

Research Spectrum

Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Environmental Science

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