Crinoid Cuttlefish

Found singly, amongst the arms of crinoid feather stars, as well as gorgonians and often close to sea stars, on most coral reef habitats. Colour changes to match surroundings.
Depth 2-30m
Indo-West Pacific - Indonesia

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.