The Cuttlefish – The King Of Camouflage.
Cuttlefish belong to the group of mollusks called the cephalopods. While diving in Gran Canaria we see all species of Cephalopods. The cephalopods are a highly intelligent group of ocean creatures that contains the species:
- Octopus
- Squid
- Cuttlefish
- Nautiluses
The literal translation of the term Cephalopod is “head-foot” in Greek. It refers to the way the cephalopod’s head connects to its many arms.
Physical Characteristics of the Cuttlefish
There are approximately 100 species of cuttlefish in the world and they are easily recognizable via their physical characteristics which are similar to that of an octopus. They have eight arms and two longer tentacles located at the front of the body that is used to capture prey.
But unlike octopus they can float, so how do they do this? Cuttlefish have a broad internal shell known as the cuttlebone. This cuttlebone is filled with gas and enables them to stay afloat in water (their equivalent of our BCD!)
A Cuttlebone
The Size of the cuttlefish:
The size of the cuttlefish can range between 2.5 and 90 cm in length. They have a relatively short life expectancy of between one to two years. The Sepia apama commonly known as the Giant cuttlefish can grow to 50 cm in length and weigh approximately 10.5kg (that’s more than my weight belt!)
Camouflage skills:
Cuttlefish also have excellent camouflage skills, they are often referred to as the Chameleon of the sea. Like an octopus, they mimic the shape and texture of objects that surround them in order to avoid their predators or any threats. They have the ability to lock hundreds of small structures under their skin in an upright position. By doing this it allows them to mimic a particular texture and carry on their day undetected. Like you can see in the photo below the common Cuttlefish in Gran Canaria is brown, mottled or striped, and are paler underneath.
More interesting facts about the physical characteristics of cuttlefish:
- They have three hearts!
- Males can disguise themselves as females to get past competing males and mate with the female cuttlefish.
- Are color blind
- Can swim at great speeds
- The Cuttlefish’s eye is much bigger in the proportion that then rest of its body. This means that they have excellent vision and can even see what is behind them.
What do cuttlefish eat?
Cuttlefish eat:
- fish
- crabs
- shrimps
- prawns
Don’t let their size deceive you, cuttlefish are small but mighty. They use their extendable tentacles to catch prey as it moves. When a cuttlefish first spots its prey, it will turn to face them. It will raise it’s two middle arms. They will remain undetected by camouflaging themselves against their environment. Once they are close to their prey they will extend their tentacles to snare their prey.
Cuttlefish have a surprisingly hard sharp beak which allows them to break down and eat hard-shelled animals like crabs. The bite releases a toxin which paralyzes their prey. The neurotoxin in their beak is so lethal that it can even kill the blue-ringed octopus.
What eats Cuttlefish?
Cuttlefish are active predators, but what are some examples of the threats to cuttlefish:
- fishermen
- dolphins,
- sharks
- stingrays
- sea lions
- seabirds
Cuttlefish are a delicacy in many parts of the world. They release Cephalopod ink. Cephalopod ink is released into the water by most species of Cephalopods. The ink contains;
- Proteins
- Minerals
- Amino acids
The ink is used as a coloring agent for Italian pasta. And was used as drawing ink and watercolor paint.
