See the Cuttlefish that Became a Viral Sensation Over Its Color-Changing Skin

The spectacular cuttlefish in this clip is as beautiful as it is fascinating. Using a ‘spy’ cuttlefish, these wildlife filmmakers have triggered some extraordinary reactions from this sea creature. At first, the ‘spy’ cuttlefish displays patterns used by males. He approaches the spy from the side which is something that he would only do to another male. It turns out that the spy is being provocative in acting like a rival male. A side approach helps him to avoid dangerous mouth parts that could attack him. Yet this so-called male does not attack him at all! Things get even more interesting when the spy changes to the color pattern of a female. He now approaches it from the front and turns on the charm!

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What Exactly Are Cuttlefish?

Cuttlefish are not fish! They are a type of cephalopod and are related to squid and octopuses. They have a thick internal shell called a cuttlebone which is made from calcium, carbon, oxygen, and argonite. There are over 100 different species of cuttlefish including the common cuttlefish and the appropriately named flamboyant cuttlefish. They are amongst the most ancient creatures in our oceans and have been on Earth for hundreds of millions of years.

How Can Cuttlefish Change Color?

Cuttlefish are masters of disguise. They have perfected camouflage by using their 20 million specialized cells that control pigmentation. These are called chromatophores. They can change their color and pattern by flexing their muscles around the chromatophores. Cuttlefish use color changes to communicate with each other, for signaling during breeding, and for camouflage. The color changes are fast and fluid – and mesmerizing! It is also thought that they may be able to stun their prey with their quick and confusing flashes of color.

What Do Cuttlefish Eat?

Cuttlefish have a simple diet. Most of the time, they eat shellfish, worms, crabs, and shrimp. They have a beak hidden under their arms and they use this to tear open shells to get to the fleshy creature inside. Also, they use hidden tentacles to grab prey as they swim by. Once they have drawn the prey towards them, they use their powerful beaks to kill it. However, they also produce venom which immobilizes the target animal.

Cuttlefish have also been seen eating octopuses, snails, and mussels. In turn, they are preyed on by fish, dolphins, sharks, and seals. Large cuttlefish are also willing to eat smaller cuttlefish so perhaps the spy had a lucky escape!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © David A Litman/Shutterstock.com