The optic glands are
endocrine organs in the
octopus and
squid that play a role in
sexual development and
senescence. They lie between the
brain and optic lobes.[1] The optic gland in female octopuses is associated with their maternal behavior of guarding their eggs without feeding.[2] This self-starvation results in the death of the female octopus before her eggs have hatched.[3] In captivity, some starving females also self-mutilate and entangle their arms in an apparent effort to die even faster.
Removal
Removal of the gland causes the octopus to abandon their eggs and return to feeding. [4] The female octopus then eats further, doubles its weight and doubles its lifespan.[5]
References
^Wells, Martin J.; Wells, J. (1972). "Optic glands and the state of the testis in Octopus". Marine Behaviour and Physiology. 1 (1–4): 71–83.
doi:
10.1080/10236247209386890.