Discover the Fascinating World of Cuttlefish: 10 Amazing Facts

Cuttlefish look like a cross between an octopus and a squid. Mollusks in the class Cephalopoda — including octopuses, squid, and cuttlefish have eight arms and change colors to blend in with their surroundings. However, cuttlefish are much smaller and prefer shallow water to deep water. These warm water fish are wide-ranging, present along the coasts of Asia, Africa, Australia, and Europe, but are absent from the coasts of the Americas. If you’d like to learn more about these intriguing mollusks, continue reading to discover 10 amazing cuttlefish facts.

1. Cuttlefish are Smart

The Common Cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis), like other cephalopods, has a very large brain. Research similar to the Stanford Marshmallow Experiment of 1972, which determined that the ability to delay gratification was a sign of intelligence, has been applied to animals as well. A study of cuttlefish shows that cuttlefish will wait for a better reward. In the study, the cuttlefish were presented with the option of crab or shrimp. Cuttlefish adore shrimp and consistently waited for the treat, even though it was always presented after the crab.

2. Cuttlefish can change colors and patterns

Cuttlefish are masters of camouflage. Using specialized cells called chromatophores, cuttlefish can rapidly change their color and patterns. The chromatophores are controlled by muscles connected to the nervous system. While they use this ability to blend into their surroundings to avoid predators, changing colors and patterns is also a way for cuttlefish to communicate with each other, including in courtship practices and mating rituals.

3. Cuttlefish release a cloud of ink as a means of escape.

Similar to squid, cuttlefish release a jet of ink when they feel threatened. The ink creates a screen, which allows the cuttlefish to escape unseen. Cuttlefish are fast swimmers that can propel themselves through the water at amazing speeds. The ink screen gives the cuttlefish a head start to flee and hide. Making the ink requires energy, so they don’t use this defense mechanism often. Camouflage is still their best defense.

4. Cuttlefish have two tentacles that extend to capture prey.

Cuttlefish have eight arms and two tentacles. The tentacles are what they use to catch prey. Cuttlefish have two extra tentacles with suction cups on the ends, which can extend at lightning-quick speeds to snag prey. Their tentacles have been documented to have a velocity of 2.5 meters per second! However, cuttlefish are generally slow-moving, except when they are on the prowl for food.

5. Cuttlefish ink was used for drawing and writing.

Ancient Greeks and Romans used cuttlefish ink for writing and drawing. The ink is a reddish-brown color known as sepia. Popular through the 19^th century, it is still used by some artists today.

6. Cuttlefish ink may lower blood pressure

The properties of cuttlefish ink are fascinating, and research continues to evaluate its uses. Cuttlefish ink has promising antimicrobial properties. An enzyme found in squid ink is used in blood pressure medicines. The enzyme dilates blood vessels, leading to lower blood pressure. Cuttlefish ink has similar properties and may also be a future remedy for hypertension.

7. Cuttlefish have green blood.

Cuttlefish have blue-green blood. This is due to hemocyanin, a copper-rich, multifunctional protein that efficiently transports oxygen in their blood. Hemocyanin is what gives cuttlefish blood its green-blue tint.

8. Cuttlefish congregate.

Every year between May and August, off the coast of Whyalla, Australia, thousands of giant cuttlefish gather for mating season. Cuttlefish display complex mating rituals including changing color, pattern, and shape. The males with the flashiest, most impressive colors and patterns are unsurprisingly the most likely to find a mate. Smaller male cuttlefish will impersonate female cuttlefish to sneak up on unsuspecting mates.

9. Captive cuttlefish associate humans with feeding.

A psychologist at the University of Cambridge who was working with cuttlefish discovered that they would squirt her if she didn’t give them food or was slow with her treats. Other researchers have found similar behaviors. Research has also found that cuttlefish learn to associate feeding with humans. Since cuttlefish are more likely to eat live food, a researcher would wiggle the cuttlefish feed to make it look alive. As a result, cuttlefish began quickly swimming toward any human that came near the tank in anticipation of food.

10. Cuttlefish only live for a year or two!

Despite all their remarkable adaptations and a big brain, cuttlefish have a life expectancy of only a year or two. Giant cuttlefish have a slightly longer lifespan of two to four years. Many cuttlefish die shortly after mating. They are also tasty prey for sharks, seals, dolphins, and other cuttlefish. Humans also prey on cuttlefish for their ink and food.