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cuttlefish

Cuttlefish are aquatic animals, belonging to the species called Sepiida. They are classified as advanced molluscs called cephalopods. Cephalopods also include: squid, nautiluses and octopuses. Even though their name states 'fish', they're not fish, but molluscs. Animals that prey on cuttlefish include dolphins, sharks, fish, seals, seabirds and other cuttlefish. Their life duration equals approximately two years. Recent research proves cuttlefish as one of the most intelligent vertebrates, being one of the animals with a large ratio of brain to body size.

Cuttlefish Description Cuttlefish have green blood, three hearts, an inner shell called the cuttlebone, big, W-shaped pupils, 8 arms and two tentacles with denticulate suckers. With the help of these, they catch their prey. Their size usually varies from 15 cm (5.9 in) to 25 cm (9.8 in). The larger cuttlefish, called sepia apama, reaches up to 50 cm (20 in) in mantle length, and more than 10.5 kg (23 lb) in weight. Cuttlefish have the ability to camouflage themselves by changing their color as per their surroundings.

Food for Cuttlefish Cuttlefish mostly feed at night, consuming little mollusks, crabs, shrimp, fish, octopuses, worms and other cuttlefish.

Cuttlefish History The word 'cuttle' has been derived from the ancient English word ‘cudele', meaning ‘cuttlefish'. The Greco-Roman world used this creature as a source of a unique brown coloring agent gushing out from its siphon when the cuttlefish experiences fear. In Greek and Latin, it is called sepia, now also used to refer to a brown color in the English language.

Cuttlefish's Habitat Cuttlish live in temperate and tropical oceans around the world. They are usually found around reefs and in shallow water regions. However, they are known for being present at depths of approximately six hundred meters (two thousand feet) as well. They exhibit a unique biogeographic disposition by not being found in America, but along the coasts of East Asia and South Asia, Western Europe, the Mediterranean, as well as the coasts of Africa and Australia.

Cuttlefish Buyer's Guide Usually, fish mongers don't deal in cuttlefish because they consider it too messy to handle. Therefore, in order to get hold of it, you'll have to place a pre-order, unless you have access to fish market. It's available most of the year.

Cuttlefish as Food Cuttlefish are eaten in many countries around the world. Famous cuttlefish dishes include: Cuttlefish bolognaise, Cuttlefish with meatballs and peas, Cataplana of seafood and Cuttlefish soup-stew.
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