EXPLORE > ANIMALS > INVERTEBRATES
Order Sepiida
Cuttlefish are closely related to octopuses, nautiluses and squid. They have broad, flat bodies bordered by narrow fins. They have eight arms like octopuses but also two tentacles tipped with tooth-like structures. These tentacles protrude from the front of the body and are used to capture prey. Unlike other mollusks, the cuttlefish has an internal shell known as a cuttlebone.
Cuttlefish have one of the largest brain-to-body size ratios of any marine invertebrate and studies indicate they are highly intelligent. They have a sophisticated communication system which includes visual signals such as changes in skin color, skin texture, body posture and movement. When threatened, a cuttlefish can instantaneously change the shape, color and texture of its body to resemble rocks, sand or even vegetation. Like other cephalopods, they can also eject clouds of ink into the water to blind a predator while they escape.
These predators eat a large variety of mollusks, crustaceans, fish and worms. They are hunted by dolphins, sharks, seals and seabirds. Cuttlefish are also known to hunt each other.
Cuttlefish have been used by people for centuries, primarily as a food source. The major fisheries for them are in Asia and the Mediterranean Sea.
Range and Habitat
Cuttlefish are found mostly in shallow, warmer waters. A few species can be found as deep as 2,000 feet (600 m).
Conservation Status
Common.
Order Sepiida
Cuttlefish are closely related to octopuses, nautiluses and squid. They have broad, flat bodies bordered by narrow fins. They have eight arms like octopuses but also two tentacles tipped with tooth-like structures. These tentacles protrude from the front of the body and are used to capture prey. Unlike other mollusks, the cuttlefish has an internal shell known as a cuttlebone.
Cuttlefish have one of the largest brain-to-body size ratios of any marine invertebrate and studies indicate they are highly intelligent. They have a sophisticated communication system which includes visual signals such as changes in skin color, skin texture, body posture and movement. When threatened, a cuttlefish can instantaneously change the shape, color and texture of its body to resemble rocks, sand or even vegetation. Like other cephalopods, they can also eject clouds of ink into the water to blind a predator while they escape.
These predators eat a large variety of mollusks, crustaceans, fish and worms. They are hunted by dolphins, sharks, seals and seabirds. Cuttlefish are also known to hunt each other.
Cuttlefish have been used by people for centuries, primarily as a food source. The major fisheries for them are in Asia and the Mediterranean Sea.
Range and Habitat
Cuttlefish are found mostly in shallow, warmer waters. A few species can be found as deep as 2,000 feet (600 m).
Conservation Status
Common.