Creature Feature: Flamboyant Cuttlefish

The Flamboyant Cuttlefish (Metasepia pfefferi) is a member of the cuttlefish family – but a very untypical one. Unlike other cuttlefish it is not shy at all but displays it’s poppy colour signals to communicate the potential danger of the poison in his flesh to potential predators. This makes it really easy to observe and photograph the flamboyant cuttlefish. Another difference from other cuttlefishes is the fact that the flamboyant cuttlefish does not swim but rather “walks” on the sandy bottom using its mantle flaps and arms.

The smaller male fertilizes the eggs of the bigger female, that then lays them under objects like coconutshells, broken bottles etc. The eggs are round and the little cuttlefish often can be already seen inside the eggs. The hatchlings immediately display the typical colour after hatching and start hunting. The Flamboyant Cuttlefish is an excellent hunter that – like all cuttlefish – catches their prey with its feeding tentacles.

Best place to see Flamboyant Cutllefish in Lembeh Strait: Flamboyant Cuttlefish can be found on all Muckdive Sites in Lembeh. Eggs can be also found troughout the season as they reproduce year round.

Phototipps: 100mm or 60mm are both ok as the Flamboyant Cuttlefish is not shy – for photographing hunting scenes the 60mm is better though.