Pharaoh cuttlefish
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- Name / Latin
- Pharaoh cuttlefish — Sepia pharaonis
- Brief description
- The pharaoh cuttlefish is a large cuttlefish from the Sepia pharaonis group, found in the warm waters of the Indo-Pacific. Mantle length reaches about 42 cm and weight up to 5 kg. Like other cuttlefish, it has a well-developed nervous system and complex behaviour: it uses jet propulsion (including quick backward bursts), releases ink and changes colour and skin pattern instantly using chromatophores; it can also change the "texture" of its body surface with skin papillae for camouflage.
- Size:
- up to 42 cm
- Depth:
- down to 130 m
- Habitat:
- Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Red Sea, Andaman Sea
- Family:
- Sepiidae
- Type:
- Mollusc
- Activity:
- Nocturnal
- Conservation status:
- Data Deficient (DD) — insufficient data for IUCN assessment
The pharaoh cuttlefish (Sepia pharaonis) is a large mollusc, with a mantle up to 42 cm long and weighing up to 5 kg. This remarkable sea animal has a large brain for its size and is considered one of the most intelligent molluscs. It looks like a strange, otherworldly craft. Pharaoh cuttlefish live in the western Indian Ocean. At night they move into shallower water to hunt fish, crabs and sometimes other cuttlefish.
Cuttlefish are very different from many other marine animals. Their unique way of moving — swimming backwards — and their ability to change not only colour and skin texture but also body shape make them fascinating. Their skin carries a fine, shifting pattern that depends on the surroundings. Cuttlefish are ancient members of the cephalopod class.
Pharaoh cuttlefish prefer medium to high light during the day. They usually choose silt-covered bottom for resting by day and sandy or muddy bottom for activity at night.
Cuttlefish have excellent vision thanks to special filters that sharpen their sight. So they often notice us before we notice them. Unlike some other cephalopods, cuttlefish have an internal calcareous shell that helps them swim. When threatened they can change their appearance to blend in, and if that is not enough they can release a jet of ink and escape.
Cuttlefish are always hungry and constantly search for food. They eat fish and marine worms, and their favourite prey is small crabs. They hunt by blending into the environment, but they can also use pulsating, colourful patterns to hypnotise prey and catch it. They are not dangerous to humans and are safe to swim near.
