Ask The Aquarium: Do Cuttlefish Live In Our Waters?

ASK the AQUARIUM

Common cuttlefishes can change color quickly to blend in with their surroundings.

PHOTO FOR THE NC AQUARIUMS, COURTESY OF WILLIAM LAWSON

Do cuttlefish live in North Carolina waters?

Unfortunately our waters are too cool for these fascinating animals, but we do have their cousins, octopus and squid. All are in the class Cephalopoda. Cuttlefish are found primarily in shallow, tropical waters. Depending on the species, they inhabit depths from a few to several hundred feet and migrate to deeper water in winter. Like the octopus, the cuttlefish’s body is malleable, but tends to be more flattened and elongated in shape. Narrow fins run along each side of the body and undulate rapidly when it is swimming.

There are approximately 100 species of cuttlefish. All have eight arms with suction disks plus two longer, lightning-fast tentacles used to capture prey. The arms are noticeably shorter than that of the octopus. The common cuttlefish Sepia officinalis feeds primarily on crustaceans and small fishes. The term “sepia” refers to the ink cuttlefish produce, used to deceive predators like large fish. When a potential predator approaches, the cuttlefish ejects the dark ink into the water in hopes of confusing the possible attacker so it can jet-propel itself to safety.

A cuttlefish’s body is made up primarily of the mantle, which houses the cuttlebone and vital organs. The cuttlebone is made of calcium carbonate and plays a major role in the cuttlefish’s buoyancy. The head is located at the base of the mantle and has two large eyes on either side and sharp, beak-like jaws in the center of the arms. Depending on the species, cuttlefish range in size from a mere inch to 35 inches in length.

Common cuttlefishes are usually a mottled blackish or brown, but color can vary greatly. Like their octopus cousin, cuttlefish can change color, texture and pattern to blend with their surroundings. The scientific community is also studying the possibility of color change as a form of communication among cephalopods.

Discover more fascinating facts about North Carolina’s aquatic environments and inhabitants by visiting the aquariums on Roanoke Island, at Fort Fisher and at Pine Knoll Shores, or Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head. €

ABOUT THE AQUARIUM Information provided by the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. The state operates three public aquariums; one in Pine Knoll Shores, another at Fort Fisher and a third on Roanoke Island, as well as Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head. The facilities are administered by the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources and are designed to inspire appreciation and conservation of North Carolina’s aquatic environments. For more information, log onto ncaquariums.com, or call 800- 832-FISH