The Insane Biology of: The Cuttlefish

Cuttlefish employ strobing patterns on their skin to mesmerize prey before striking with their tentacles. They are the only known animal to use hypnosis as a hunting strategy.

Cuttlefish possess a unique internal structure called the cuttlebone that enables precise buoyancy control unlike any other marine organism. This structure differentiates them from octopuses and squid.

Cuttlefish match environmental patterns and colors with extraordinary precision despite being colorblind. They rank among the most extravagant color-displaying animals in the ocean, rivaling and arguably surpassing octopuses in visual complexity.

Cuttlefish exhibit cognitive abilities rivaling vertebrates, with some species possessing larger brain-to-body ratios than octopuses. Scientists have trained them to navigate mazes and demonstrate episodic-like memory previously attributed only to mammals and birds.

Male cuttlefish employ sophisticated deception during mating, using their camouflage abilities to disguise themselves as females. This strategy allows smaller or subordinate males to bypass dominant rivals and access mating opportunities.

Cephalopods (cuttlefish, squid, octopus) evolved complex intelligence independently from vertebrates, diverging over 550 million years ago. Scientists previously believed only vertebrates like great apes, elephants, and corvids could demonstrate complex cognition.

Cuttlefish are cephalopods with approximately 120 species inhabiting tropical and temperate waters worldwide except the Americas. Despite their name suggesting cuteness, they are sophisticated predators not known for cuddling.