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Photos of Aquarium Animals by Miguel Montalvo

Flamboyant cuttlefish

Metasepia pfefferi

Today's Research for Tomorrow's Oceans

Species Type:

Fishes, Octopus & Kin

Common Name(s):

Flamboyant cuttlefish

Size:

Flamboyant cuttlefish are small creatures, growing to be 2.4-3.1 inches (6-8 centimeters) long.

Diet:

Flamboyant cuttlefish are carnivores, eating a variety of bony fish and crustaceans including: shrimp, worms, shellfish, mollusks and other cuttlefish.

Range & Habitat:

Flamboyant cuttlefish are found anywhere from Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, northern Australia and the East Indian Ocean.

Details:

Flamboyant cuttlefish have the ability to change the color of their skin to camouflage themselves from predators nearby. They also change their coloration to communicate with other fish, whether it be to attract a mate or show aggression. Flamboyant cuttlefish can also disperse ink to temporarily blind predators and escape to safety. For six to eight weeks in the springtime, flamboyant cuttlefish enter breeding season. Shortly after, female cuttlefish lay their eggs in hidden areas. The conservation status of this species is currently unknown.