Lembeh 2009: Flamboyant cuttlefish

We encountered a total of 4 individual cuttlefish over 2 dives, from a tiny juvenile about 3-4cm long to a large individual measuring about 20cm long. The flesh of these cuttlefish contain potent toxins, making them poisonous to predators. When agitated, they change from a dark maroon colour to bright psychedelic colours. They were one of the most interesting critters to observe, especially when walking across the seabed on four appendages functioning as limbs.

The largest flamboyant cuttlefish encountered, Hairball1.

Flamboyant walking along the seabed, Hairball1.

A juvenile flamboyant but the most aggressive of the lot, Pantai Perigi.

A medium-sized flamboyant showing its aggressive stance, Pantai Perigi.

We found this individual resting and not very responsive, Pantai Perigi.

When it finally awoke, it looked irritated! Pantai Perigi.