Spawning and larval development of Colossendeis megalonyx, a giant Antarctic sea spider.

This article provides an overview of the spawning and larval development of Colossendeis megalonyx, a large sea spider found in Antarctica. The researchers observed the unique reproductive behavior of this species, where male parents care for the offspring. They collected eggs and observed the slow development of embryos, leading to the hatching of larvae. The study also suggests that the larvae of C. megalonyx have limited potential for long-distance dispersal and that the family Colossendeidae as a whole are nonbrooders. The researchers highlight the importance of field and laboratory observations for understanding the biology and natural history of sea spiders. [Extracted from the article]