What Is a Cuttle Fish?

Cuttlefish have one of the most distinct-looking faces and body shapes in the water world. Native to Bali and Europe, cuttlefish do not naturally live in the United States. Cuttlefish resemble the average fish but are really something else. They can do things that most fish can't, such as float.

  1. Species and Origin

    • According to the Octopus News Magazine Online, cuttlefish are more closely related to snails and slugs than they are fish. Cuttlefish are mollusks and belong to the same group of animals as octopus, nautilus and squid. The species of cuttlefish that is found in Europe is Sepia officinalis, whereas the cuttlefish species found in Bali is the Sepia bandensis.

    Physical Characteristics

    • Cuttlefish have eight arms and two tentacles. The tentacles are usually retracted when they are not in use to capture prey. Cuttlefish can change their body color and skin texture to match their surroundings. A cuttlefish's normal skin pattern displays zebra-like stripes. It has a parrot-like beak on its face and a radula to tear its prey, states the Cephalopod Page website. Cuttlefish are generally on the larger side, as their bodies, not including the heads, are usually only about 20 to 30 cm in length, although they can grow as large as 45 cm long.

    Diet

    • Cuddlefish will eat other mollusks, such as snails and clams, along with shrimp and crabs. They will also eat other cuddlefish, as well as fish. They shot their tentacles out of their bodies to capture their prey. Cuddlefish are generally ambush predators so they will hide or sneak up on their prey. The skin is covered in cells that reflect light and help them change color. This trait is quite advantageous in enabling them to hide as they are waiting for food.

    Human Use

    • Cuttlefish project ink from their mouths when they are in danger or frightened. If it works, the ink goes inside the predator's mouth and coats their nostrils long enough for the cuttlefish to sneak away. The Sea-Ex website claims original Indian Ink used in fountain pens came from cuttlefish. Cuttlebones that are used in bird cages come from the cuttlefish. This gas-filled bone is located in the fish's mantra, or trunk, and allows it to float.

    Habitat

    • Cuttlefish are shallow-water creatures that generally enjoy warmer climates. The European species lives in the English Channel and in waters in the Mediterranean Sea and Africa. Some cuttlefish populations will migrate from deep to shallow waters in the summer and spend time near reefs.