Specific Ethogram of the Mexican four-eyed octopus: Octopus maya.

Abstract

Historically, behavior studies have focused mainly on animals of two phyla in particular: Craniata and Arthropoda, however, behavioral research on alternative phyla like mollusks has been increasing because of the potential for research that these models present. When we talk about mollusk behavior, cephalopods are the first group that stands out, however, research on Mexicos endemic species like Octopus maya, is still lacking. This octopus could help to reach a standardized model in neuroscience, because adapts well to laboratory conditions and has been successfully cultured through several generations. These characteristics provide a great advantage as a research model since they could reduce the number of variables that affect behavioral studies, something hard to control with a captured-wild octopus. Hence, in order to work properly with species like this, in research environments, its fundamental to know first the behaviors that this species can perform there. Therefore, the objective of this study was to elaborate an ethogram that describes the behavioral repertoire that O. maya displays in laboratory conditions. Thirteen individuals of O. maya (6-20g) were used and maintained in tanks with a closed circulation seawater system and illuminated with a red light of 30 lx in a 12:12 LD cycle. Nine of these individuals were used for an ad libitum sampling of behaviors to name, define, categorize and operationally describe them. The last four individuals were used to establish day/night activity patterns, (length and frequency of behaviors throughout the day). The obtained results showed that O. maya has a wide behavioral repertoire with at least twenty-three behaviors, which were included in six different behavioral categories. The obtained results showed that O. maya has a wide behavioral repertoire with at least twenty-three behaviors, which were organized in six different behavioral categories. Also, this species showed differentiated activity patterns between day and night, with peaks of activity, distribution, and frequencies of activity behaviors mainly during the light hours. These results showed that O. maya has behaviors comparable with other octopus species and support the proposal for its use as a viable research model. Knowing the behavioral repertoire of O. maya allows for better control in future behavioral studies using this model, provides the main tools to evaluate the organisms health and status, and supports its use for research in neuroscience and cognition.