Eight interesting facts about the Giant Australian Cuttlefish:
- The Giant Cuttlefish (Sepia apama) is the largest cuttlefish species in the family Sepidae. The animal has sucker-lined appendages growing from its head, eight long and prehensile arms, and two retractile tentacles. The mouth consists of a parrot-like beak, jaws, and a rasping tongue.
- This unique animal can be found around the southern part of Australia from southern Queensland around the south to Coral Bay in Western Australia, including all of Tasmania.
- The Giant Cuttlefish is generally found hiding in caves and crevices and is generally very curious when approached by divers. When divers approach they will often come forward to investigate and they appear to like objects that have bright fluorescent colours (such as green and pink). Giant Cuttlefish have been seen following divers that wear brightly coloured fins.
- They are a very inquisitive species and will often approach divers that venture into their cave area. During the mating season the males become very territorial and can become quite aggressive towards any intruders encroaching on their space.
- The giant cuttlefish is excellent at changing colours and camouflage. They can often be seen with their body pulsating different colours, especially during mating season.
- During the onset of winter they come together to mate. Death follows shortly after mating and laying of eggs that will spawn the next generation. Cuttlefish bones are often found washed up on beaches indicating that the breeding season is over.
- The mantle length of the Giant Cuttlefish can reach up to half a metre and the species can grow to a total length of 1 metre.
- This species has a life span of about 2-3 years and can weigh up to 10kgs.
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