 Photo credit: istockphoto.com/© Victor Maffe |
Meet the cuttlefish, one of the brainiest, most bizarre animals in the ocean.
This mystifying creature has many senses and abilities that are alien to us humans. For example, while the cuttlefish can’t hear, it can detect sound in the form of pressure waves traveling through the water. The unique animal can also change its coloration, shape and texture at will, mimicking floating vegetation or rocks on the seafloor.
Yet when danger looms, this relative of the octopus can jet away at great speeds, shooting out a smoke screen of ink or using its ink to create decoys of itself that sit suspended in the water.
How does the cuttlefish accomplish all this? Well, I created a Flash interactive for PBS’s NOVA that explains many of its tricks. (See below.)
You can also learn more about the cuttlefish by tuning into NOVA’s “Kings of Camouflage” on your local PBS station on Tuesday, June 22. (Check your local listings.)
Until then, take a look at select parts of cuttlefish and learn more about how this master of deception and disguise functions. Simply click on the labels below for more information.
By Rima Chaddha Mycynek
Rima Chaddha Mycynek is a writer, reporter, editor, photographer, videographer, former talk show host, and all-around journalism nerd. She currently teaches multimedia journalism at Boston University. [
27 users responded in this post
Mmm cuttlefish. Smart, yet tasty.
Jacob asked if it likes to Cuddle with people.
He then asked why it is called a Cuttlefish.
Ted: Yikes.
I’m generally one for trying new things, but the cuttlefish is just too brainy for my tastes. Look at those piercing eyes!
Zaranie: I don’t see why not!
As for the cuttlefish’s name, I don’t really have the best answer. Basically, as you’ll see in the interactive anatomy above, it’s named for the cuttlebone, an inner shell that helps it float and sink in the water.
Now, as to why the cuttlebone is called a cuttlebone, I’m not entirely sure. I have read that the prefix “cuttle-” comes from Old English and Norwegian, and is derived from a word meaning “cushion.” I don’t have any reliable sources on that, however.
It’s like beef jerky, the way I’ve had it: sun-dried.
Thank you very much for that excellent article
Yeah, beef jerky that tastes like low-tide…
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