What is hectocotylized?

Hectocotylized refers to the modified arm of male cephalopods, which is used for transferring sperm to the female during reproduction. This specialized arm, known as the hectocotylus, has a glandular structure that releases a spermatophore into the female's mantle cavity. The hectocotylized arm is found in most species of cephalopods, including octopuses, squids, and cuttlefish. The process of transferring the spermatophore to the female can vary between different species, with some using a snapping mechanism to detach the arm, while others detach it voluntarily. The term hectocotylization comes from the Greek words "hekaton" meaning hundred and "kotulos" meaning cup, referring to the numerous suckers that line the arm. Hectocotylized arms have been an object of fascination for scientists and artists alike due to their unique morphology and function.