Pharaoh Cuttlefish
Acanthosepion pharaonis
Also known as: Cephalopod, Large Striped Cuttlefish, Sepia pharaonis
- Cephalopod
- Large Striped Cuttlefish
- Sepia pharaonis
Overview
Found in shallow waters, over sand and seagrass beds, of coral and rocky reefs. Colourful changes in display to match surroundings, and deter predators.
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.
How to identify
- Behaviour
- camouflagedchanges colourinks
Tap any trait to see other fish that share it.
Habitat & where to find it
- Range · Indo-West Pacific, Mediterranean
- Country only · 5
Found in shallow waters, over sand and seagrass beds, of coral and rocky reefs.
Adult photos 5
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