Sepiida

Sepiida is an order of cephalopods that includes cuttlefish. They are characterized by their internal shell, known as a cuttlebone, which is used for buoyancy control and to help them move through water. Cuttlefish are highly intelligent and have complex social interactions. They are found in a variety of marine environments, from shallow coastal waters to deep ocean trenches.

Sepiadarium austrinum

Striped Pyjama Squid, Striped Dumpling Squid – Sepioloidea lineolata

Hooded Cuttlefish – Rhombosepion prashadi

Stout Bobtail – Rossia macrosoma

Rossia glaucopis

Golden Cuttlefish – Acanthosepion esculentum

Pharaoh Cuttlefish – Acanthosepion pharaonis

Needle Cuttlefish – Acanthosepion aculeatum

Broadclub Cuttlefish – Ascarosepion latimanus

Common Cuttlefish – Sepia officinalis

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: