Giant Antarctic Sea Spiders' Reproductive Secrets Unveiled

After over a century of mystery, scientists have discovered how giant sea spiders in Antarctica reproduce, revealing a unique egg-laying method.

University of Hawai'i at Manoa researchers have solved the 140-year-old mystery of giant sea spider reproduction in Antarctica.
The giant sea spiders lay thousands of eggs on the ocean's rocky bottom, a method unseen in other sea spider species.
This discovery was made possible by a field research expedition in October 2021, where scientists observed mating sea spiders and their egg-laying process.
The eggs, camouflaged by algae, develop for several months before hatching, explaining why this behavior had remained unnoticed.
The findings could have significant implications for understanding marine life and ecosystems in Antarctica and globally.