Camouflaging cuttlefish – possibly the coolest sea creature around!
31st October 2006

The strange and fascinating world of cuttlefish - the "Celestial sea creature".

The strange and fascinating world of cuttlefish - the "Celestial sea creature".

Similar to vertebrates in some respects, cuttlefish are big brained mobile creatures. However they evolved from snails and therefore have a totally different process of evolution and do things very differently!  “They are very odd and unique creatures that look somewhat alien! They are my favorite fish in the aquarium” said Corlinda Mckeating (Exploris – Temporary Administration Assistant)

Cuttlefish are cephalopods - meaning 'head foot' – which are native to British and Irish waters. They are voracious predators with eight arms and two feeding tentacles which they shoot out at the speed of a bullet to grab their prey and pull it in to their beak.

They are also extremely vulnerable to attack, as their shells have evolved to be on the inside (the cuttlebones used in budgies' cages). For this reason, cuttlefish have developed incredible camouflage ability. "In less than a second they can completely change their colour. They've had to become masters of disguise," says Ben Healey (Exploris Guide) The camouflage system is also used for social communication and as part of their mating ritual amongst males.

Cuttlefish have also developed a defensive response which releases mildly narcotic ink to stun attackers and give them time to escape. This sepia ink is used as writing ink and to colour rice and pasta. If available, the young cuttlefish will attempt to eat larger creatures than it can cope with, and as it releases the unmanageable prey it will squirt out a jet of black ink to cover its retreat. One cuttlefish squirting ink can immediately frighten others into doing the same.

"Cuttlefish are very sensitive to water quality however we have readily available sea water instead of the artificial sea water some aquaria have to use”, says Leslie Turner (Exploris Displays Specialist).

Cuttlefish are just one of the new exhibits brought to Exploris for Halloween. Exploris Halloween activities include spooktacular sea monster mask making and ghoulish face painting which will run on the 21st, 22nd and from 28th – 31st October. Discovery pool demonstrations from experienced guides run throughout the day. For further Information visit www.exploris.org.uk or phone 028 42 72 80 62 for prices. Exploris is open Monday - Friday from 10-5 Saturday from 11-5 and Sunday from 1-5. Exploris is a fully accessible Ards Borough Council tourism facility.

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For further information please contact
Rory Martin – Exploris Events and Marketing Officer – 028 4272 8062

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