A close relative of the
octopus, cuttlefish have an identical ability to quickly
change skin color and texture. Many divers believe (as I
do) that cuttlefish (and octopus) assume different colors
depending on their mood. Cuttlefish are very intelligent
creatures. Like the octopus, they use jet propulsion to
move about and possess the ability to squirt a cloudy
"ink" solution when attempting to flee a
predator. They have large eyes and may often be
approached within a few feet, as I did with this one. The
behavior shown, with two of its tentacles raised, is
typical of a posture assumed just before lashing out with
whip-like appendages to capture its prey (typically a
fish... no, not me in this case). |