Main content

Rainbow courtship

Australian squid come to the shallows around Tasmania to breed in summer. Large males constantly change colour to attract females and to ward off other males. Once paired, the male passes a packet of sperm across to the female. When the eggs are fertilised they are deposited in tough rubbery casings, which other animals find poisonous. Three weeks later, the eggs are ready to hatch. Although the young can change colour, they haven't quite mastered the art of swimming.

Release date:

Duration:

2 minutes

Featured in...

More clips from Seasonal Seas

More clips from The Blue Planet