Abstract
In the lifecycle of an octopus, after an individual reproduces, it enters a short and final stage of life: senescence. During this stage, the octopus undergoes physiological, immunological, and behavioral changes. There are few studies evaluating the progression of immunocompetence through senescence despite observed signs of immunological deficiency, such as unhealed injuries and an inability to regenerate arms. Further evidence of immune deficiency is indicated by an increase in the intensity of parasitic infections. In this study, I aim to determine how the amount and mass of Aggregata lesions change throughout the senescent period to test the hypothesis that old, senescent octopuses appear to be immunocompromised. This could lead to a deeper understanding of the host-parasite relationship and the development of immunodeficiency in Octopus bimaculoides.
