As the ocean’s masters of masquerade, these colour-changing, texture-switching cephalopods are fascinating aliens of the deep
Words Ella Carter
COMMON CUTTLEFISH
Sepia officinalis
Class Cephalopoda
Territory Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea
Diet Crustaceans, fish and molluscs
Lifespan 1–2 years
Adult weight 2–4kg (4.4–8.8lb)
Conservation Status
LEAST CONCERN
The chameleon of the sea
Regarded as some of the most intelligent invertebrates, these mesmerising marine hunters can adopt almost any colour and texture in their bid to survive
Squid-esque in stature, with big W-shaped eyes, flashing skin, a face full of tentacles and a large, elongated body propelled by a giant siphon – cuttlefish are some of the less relatable animals that swim through our oceans. Belonging to a group of molluscs known as cephalopods, these alien-like creatures are members of a family of over 800 species that first evolved approximately 500 million years ago.
The word ‘cephalopod’ means ‘head-foot’, which relates to the fact that cuttlefish, along with their octopus, squid and nautilus cousins, all have tentacles that surround the mouth. Cuttlefish in particular have ten appendages – eight highly flexible, sucker-covered arms accompanied by two strong, long feeding tentacles that are kept hidden in pouches under the eyes. They use their tentacles for all manner of things, from expressing themselves to predatory defence and hunting.
Cuttlefish are cunning predators, but they are also soft-bodied and nutritious, which puts them on the menu for other hungry ocean dwellers, including dolphins, sharks and seals. This means that cuttlefish need to be extra wily in order to live out their short lives in relative safety, and for this camouflage is the name of the game.
Often nicknamed ‘the chameleon of the sea’, the cuttlefish is sadly misrepresented with this name. The chameleon ought to be named ‘the cuttlefish of the land’, as there is nothing comparable in the animal kingdom to the cuttle’s talent for illusion, disguise and showmanship. Capable of changing both colour and texture in an instant to blend in, cuttlefish will also use this extraordinary talent to communicate with one another and to confuse and misdirect adversaries. For example, zebra stripes are often issued as a warning, along with splayed tentacles. Cuttlefish will also display eye spots to look larger and shock predators, and some species also use their colour-changing abilities to actively ‘hypnotise’ their prey. Using undulating colours, they can stun victims, helping to lure them into a false sense of security before they strike with their feeding tentacles.
During courtship, cuttlefish species will habitually camouflage themselves as females in order to get closer to potential mates without being fought off by other males. In fact, they are so good at manipulating their camouflage that indiv
