Common cuttlefish, Sepia officinalis, in the Mediterranean Sea in Malta

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Cuttlefish belong to the group of Cephalopods and are among the most intelligent invertebrates. They feed on smaller molluscs, crustaceans, worms and fish. Other than their close relative the octopus, have cuttlefish an inner shell, called cuttlebone. But just like octopus, they are masters of camouflage. Cuttlefish contain specialized cells to be able to change the coloration and structure of their skin within seconds to hide from potential predators. The so called Chromatophores, colour cells, are responsible for the pigmentation and can be expanded or contracted to shift coloration. Irridophores reflect light and can enhance the effects of coloration change. The third types of cells responsible for the camouflage are Leucophores, which are “white cells”. They serve as background. Muscle contractions can change the skin texture to help the cuttlefish merge into the surrounding structures.

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Size: 4326px × 2884px
Location: Cirkewwa, Mellieha, Malta
Photo credit: © Rasmus Loeth Petersen / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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