Most people underestimate the power and uniqueness of underwater creatures.
In the past, we've witnessed the incredible bounty of the sea, showcased in places like the second largest aquarium in the world — but I've never seen a creature as fascinating as this before!
Recently, the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, CA has captured delightful footage of one of its most curious residents: the amazing "flamboyant cuttlefish."
Most people likely aren't familiar with the cuttlefish, and can be alarmed by its appearance. It has W-shaped pupils, eight frantic arms, and looks like a cross between a squid, octopus, and mollusk. Upon a closer look, however, you'll find that this species is quite spectacular.
Flamboyant cuttlefish have around a one-year lifespan, but is noted to be one of the most intelligent invertebrates.
In the video below, you can observe how this tiny yet mighty species hunts, roams, and disguises itself in a most masterful way…
Scroll further to read more about this fantastic sea creature, and to watch the video taken at the aquarium. Let us know what you thought of it in the comments below!
When we think of cuttlefish, we usually picture marine animals that resemble large molluscs with scary pupils and tentacles. While some of them certainly do look like this, there is a wide variety of cuttlefish species, each boasting its own unique qualities.
One of the most intriguing species is the Metasepia pfefferi, or Pfeffer's flamboyant cuttlefish. It is found in muddy-bottom substrates in the Indo-Pacific seas, stretching from Indonesia to northern Australia.
It has eight arms in the front of its body, two clear feeding tentacles, and a beak-like mouth. You can look at the image below to understand how its size compares to that of humans.
At the back of its body is the "mantle," which houses the cuttlefish's doughnut-shaped brain and the rest of its organs.
The flamboyant cuttlefish usually preys on a variety of small fish and crustaceans. When it is ready to hunt, it will stretch out its feeding tentacles.
It will use the suction cups at the end of these tentacles to grasp on to the prey.
Most interestingly, these animals are geniuses of disguise. They have organs on their skin called chromatophores, which can help them change color instantly. The texture of their skin can transform from smooth to three-dimensional in a matter of seconds.
Watch the video below to see the flamboyant cuttlefish in action!
These sea creatures are truly brilliant and unique in their own way. Please SHARE if you thought that these beautiful cuttlefish were fascinating, and if you'd like to visit one in your state aquarium!
