Cuttlefish are highly intelligent, color-changing marine mollusks belonging to the class Cephalopoda, which also includes octopuses, squids, and nautiluses. Despite their misleading name, they are not fish at all but complex invertebrates. They are famous for their unmatched camouflage skills, unique internal shells, and shocking intelligence. Physical Characteristics & Anatomy
Appendages: They possess eight short arms and two long tentacles equipped with finely toothed suckers used to snatch prey at lightning speed.
The Cuttlebone: Unlike other cephalopods, they have a porous, chalky internal shell called a cuttlebone. By shifting gas and liquid through its tiny chambers, they perfectly regulate their buoyancy.
W-Shaped Eyes: They have distinct, W-shaped pupils. While they are completely colorblind, their eyes are highly advanced, allowing them to perceive light polarization and see almost entirely behind themselves.
Internal Systems: They have three hearts and blue blood. Their blood utilizes a copper-rich protein called hemocyanin to move oxygen, rather than the iron-based hemoglobin found in humans. Masterful Camouflage
Often called the “chameleons of the sea,” cuttlefish can alter their appearance in a fraction of a second.
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