* Limited Research: Gulper eels are deep-sea creatures, making them difficult to study. We know relatively little about their reproductive habits.
* Variability: Like many fish species, the number of eggs produced can vary greatly based on factors like:
* Size of the female: Larger females might produce more eggs.
* Environmental conditions: Food availability and water temperature can influence egg production.
* Age: Older females might lay larger clutches.
What we do know:
* Gulper eels are thought to be oviparous, meaning they lay eggs.
* These eggs are likely pelagic, meaning they float freely in the water column.
* Larvae are thought to live near the surface before eventually descending to the depths.
To summarize: While we lack exact numbers, the number of eggs gulper eels produce is likely significant and varies depending on various factors.