Multiple paternity but no evidence of biased sperm use in female dumpling squid Euprymna tasmanica

Abstract

Assessing the natural level of multiple paternity and sperm-use patterns provides important information regarding sperm competition and the potential for cryptic female mate choice. We developed 5 novel polymorphic microsatellites for the dumpling squid Euprymna tasmanica and used them to measure multiple paternity from both field- and laboratory-laid clutches. All clutches had multiple paternity, with a minimum of 2 to 4 sires per clutch, consistent with benefits to females of polyandry in this species, and indicating strong potential for sperm competition. We found a higher level of multiple paternity within field-laid eggs than in the first and second clutches from females that laid in th..