Multiple paternity within the brood of single females of Loligo forbesi (Cephalopoda:Loliginidae), demonstrated with microsatellite DNA markers

Microsatellite DNA markers developed for the squid Loligo forbesi were used to determine the genotype of a series of embryos obtained from egg strings of individual females. The results demonstrate that at least 2 males had been successful in fertilizing the eggs of a single female. The findings are compatible with observations of male competition at mating in other species of loliginid squid. They are discussed in relation to interpretation of specific questions of cephalopod ecology