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AT FIRST GLANCE, this might be mistaken for a variety of seaweed, but the translucent clusters are California market squid egg capsules. Female market squids can lay 50 to 300 eggs per capsule with multiple paternities within each capsule. In Southern California, spawning occurs between October and May, with eggs hatching in three to five weeks. The capsules contain a form of bacteria that is believed to be a repellent against predators and microbial infection. California market squid have a lifespan of about nine months and live near the shore. Egg capsules have a coating to protect them from the rough and tumble of washing around on the shallow, sandy sea floor. If you find one of these clusters washed up on the beach, gently pick up one end and place it back in the water. ■ Class: Cephalopoda Order: Myopsida Family: Loliginidae Genus: Doryteuthis Species: Doryteuthis (Loligo) opalescensnaria
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