Reaper Cuttlefish (Sepia mestus)

Also known as Common New South Wales Cuttlefish, Red Cuttlefish

Description

Also known as Common New South Wales Cuttlefish, Red Cuttlefish.

Found in kelp beds, over rock, sand and seagrass beds, around drop-offs and in harbours of coral and rocky reefs. Colour/pattern can changes for camouflage.
They feed on small fish and invertebrates.
Length - 7.5cm
Depth 0-22m
Pacific Ocean - Australia

Cuttlefish possess the ability to swim in different manners, usually gently rippling their side fins. However when in danger, the cuttlefish sucks water into their body cavity and expels it through a funnel like extension on the underside of the body, causing a backward propulsion enabling the cuttlefish to escape from predators.
They are also able to shoot a cloud of black ink at predators when threatened.
They feed by catching their prey by two powerful tentacles which shoot out from beneath the creatures eyes. The prey is then pulled toward the animal's strong beak and crushed before consuming.
Cuttlefish gather in their hundreds of thousands to spawn.
Males can only produce once and the females die shortly after laying their eggs. Ref: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sepia_mestus

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