Common Cuttlefish

The Common Cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) is not in fact a fish but a mollusc and is related to the octopus and squid. Its internal cuttlebone (commonly seen washed up on beaches) has numerous gas filled chambers used for buoyancy control. Cuttlefish are effective hunters, using their tentacles, arms and beak to devour species such as crabs and fish. They also release ink to evade predators such as dolphins and seals.

Cuttlefish display a surprising degree of intelligence, being masters of camouflage and able to alter their skin patterning to blend into their background within seconds.

For more information on the Common Cuttlefish visit MarLin.

Photo credit: Paul Naylor