Flamboyant Cuttlefish

About the Flamboyant Cuttlefish

One of the most colorful animals in the ocean, displaying pulsing waves of bright yellow, red, white, and brown. This vivid display warns predators of their toxicity - they are one of the few poisonous cephalopods. They walk across the seafloor on two arms and two tentacles, rather than swimming. They are tiny, only 6-8 cm. They are found in shallow muddy habitats. They were only scientifically described in recent decades. Their flesh contains toxins similar to those of blue-ringed octopus. They are masters of camouflage when not displaying warning colors.