Cuttlefish Mating

Cuttlefish mating is a bit strange if you have never seen it before. It usually consists of a combination of peaceful encounters, intense staring contests, quick physical confrontations, and tricking each other into wasting their time. Peaceful encounters rarely happen due to the fact that there are usually 5-10 males to every female. Intense staring contests are the most common and is really more of a battle of wills than anything. One will eventually admit defeat and go on looking for a mate. Physical confrontations are not very common, but it does happen. It usually consists of one blow to the opponent and then the confrontation will be over. If a male is defeated (and is small enough) he can disguise himself as a female and hopefully find a mate later.

Cuttlefish Overview

The cuttlefish is a small to medium sized mollusk with 8 arms and 2 tentacles in pairs. Cuttlefish are uniquely colorful. They range from green, red, blue, yellow, orange, brown, pink, and white. They have an unusual habit of continuously rotating their colors. This behavior is called “flashing”. Cuttlefish “flash” while mating and fighting. Cuttlefish are masters of deception; they can blend into their surroundings and appear to be the opposite sex to fool other cuttlefish. Even more amazing, new research suggests that cuttlefish (as well as octopods and squid) may be able to see with their skin! This explains why they are able to perfectly camouflage themselves. Cuttlefish are found in all oceans, warm or cold, with the exception of the east coast of the United States. There are 120 known species. They live 1-3 years. Cuttlefish eat shrimp, crabs, and fish. They eject ink like squid and octopods. Cuttlefish are the most beautifully colorful and animated of Cephalopods.