California Sea cucumber reproduction

This California Sea Cucumber male was emitting sperm while in the tank at Race Rocks in early June, 2004 . This went on for several hours. Millions of sperm are broadcast into the water where they may have a chance encounter with eggs, also released into the current by the females. Of the great numbers of eggs and sperm released only a few are fertilized and actually make it to maturity. This is a good example of
r-selection in the population.