Omer 2019 Day 32: Cuttlefish

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Omer 2019 Day 32: Netzach in Hod, Endurance/Victory in Humility
Cuttlefish (sneaker males)
Cuttlefish (which are just as cute as they sound) emerge victorious in mating competitions by being humble. As with many animals that compete for a female's choice, it is no surprise that the largest males with the most elaborate color displays are often chosen by females. And even if they aren't chosen, they will often exhibit a behavior called "mate guarding" which is exactly what it sounds like. The macho-est cuttlefish will keep a close eye on the females that he wants to court, and will run off any other males that try to stake their claim. Enter the "sneaker male." While the larger, obvious males are putting on a show (link), sneaker males are smaller, unassuming, and tend to look like females. They inch their way closer and closer, often without notice, until they're finally close enough to court and mate with the female - right under the larger male's... tentacles! Both endurance and humility (however you want to interpret "netzach") are key to this male's strategy to keep his genes circulating.

This year's animal Omer is a collaboration between myself and my friend Halli, a PhD in animal science. Thank you for counting the Omer with us!