The Effects of Uv Radiation on Adult and Larval Behavior and Chromatophore Size in Octopus Rubescens

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation—especially UV-B radiation—can have detrimental effects on marine larvae and elicit behavioral changes in many adult marine organisms. Although there has been a considerable amount of research on chromatophores in marine organisms, little is known about the relationship between cephalopod chromatophores and exposure to UV-B radiation. This study investigates the effects of 280 nm, 330 nm and 488 nm wavelengths on paralarva Octopus rubescens, as well as the behavior and chromatophore changes of adult Octopus rubescens under non-specific UV-B conditions. Paralarvae chromatophore size significantly increased after exposure to each wavelength but there was no significant difference in average percent change between the respective wavelengths. Adult octopuses exhibited no significant behavioral changes or chromatophore color changes in response to UV-B conditions; however, they tended to spend more time in darker conditions when given the chance.