Cuttlefish
Introduction
Contrary to the name, cuttlefish are actually molluscs, not fish. They are known for thier ability to camoflauge. They are the most intelligent of all molluscs.
Definitions
- Camouflage
- Using some method, perhaps skin tone or texture, to blend in with one's environment
- Cuttlebone
- A hard, brittle internal structure found in all cuttlefish
Anatomy
Cuttlefish are extremely strange and facinating.
- Thier brains are shaped like Os
- They have 8 arms
- They also have 2 tentacles
- They have 3 hearts
- Their blood is a blue-green color
Skin
Cuttlefish are sometimes called
"The chameleons of the sea"
This is because they have the ability to change thier appearence. They use this ability not only as camoflauge, but also as communication with other cuttlefish.
The organs that cause these changes are called "cromatophores" They have yellow, red, black, and brown chromatophores.They have the ability to completely change in just a few seconds
Species
There are over 120 known species of cuttlefish. Some include:
- Flamboyant Cuttlefish
- Australian Giant
- European Cuttlefish
- Paintpot Cuttlefish
Human Use
In the Mediterranean, cuttlefish are caught for food. In East Asia, dried shredded cuttlefish is a common snack.
Sepia
Cuttlefish make ink. For awhile, people used this ink as a dye. However, artificial dyes have replaced using cuttlefish ink. For more info on sepia, visit Wikipedia
Other
Also, an extremely facinating documentary by NOVA
For more info, visit the Cuttlefish Wikipedia page