Flamboyant Cuttlefish (Metasepia pfefferi)

The Flamboyant Cuttlefish, Metasepia pfefferi, grows to 8 cm total length. This is the only species of cuttlefish known to be toxic. The toxin is in its muscle tissue and is as toxic as the venom from the blue ring octopus. Also, like its cousin the Blue Ring Octopus, this cuttlefish is venomous (one of only a few cephalopods confirmed as venomous). The venom of this species is apparently comparable in toxicity to that of the Blue Ring. Marine biologists suggest that the brilliant colors and patterns that the Flamboyant Cuttlefish display are warning coloration (aposematism) to potential predators of the toxins and venom. This cephalopod is found from Japan south through the tropical Pacific. Like the Wonderpus Octopus, this species lives over mud or sand. Like other cuttlefish, this species uses its “cuttlebone” to control buoyancy. This species is not a rapid swimmer but it has well developed eyes and a remarkably well developed network of chromatophores, allowing these animals to rapidly change colors. Here is a published description of mating behavior, “Sexes are separate. Metasepia pfefferi reproduces by internal fertilization. Males have a specialized, hectocotyl arm that is used for holding and transferring spermatophores (packets of sperm) into the females buccal areas during mating. The female grabs the spermatophores with her arms and wipes them onto her eggs. After fertilization, the female lays her eggs one by one in hard to reach cracks and crevices to hide and provide protection against predators. (Kaufmann, 2007; Mangold, et al., 1999; Reid, 2005).” This individual was photographed in Southwestern Japan (2007). The diversity of life in our oceans is outstanding. We need to do more to protect them from things like oil spills, destructive commercial fishing practices, overharvest, reef damaging behaviors, and dumping of waste.