Common Names
Members of Sepiida are commonly known as cuttlefish.
Characteristics
Cuttlefish have a distinctive flattened body shape with eight arms and two long tentacles. They are known for their ability to rapidly change color and patterns using specialized pigment sacs called chromatophores. These changes in color are used for camouflage, communication, and display.
Other key characteristics of Sepiida include:
- An internal shell, the cuttlebone, which is made of calcium carbonate
- A W-shaped pupil
- A complex brain and nervous system
- The ability to squirt ink as a defense mechanism
Environment
Cuttlefish are found in a wide range of marine environments, including:
- Shallow coastal waters
- Coral reefs
- Seagrass meadows
- Deep ocean trenches
They are typically found in temperate and tropical waters around the world.
References
For further information, please consult the following resources:
