Cuttlefish (6 images)

[stuny]

Cuttlefish are in the cephalopod family, which also includes octopus, squid and nautilus. They are quite intelligent, typically move slowly, but can achieve exceptionally fast movement for short distances via jets of water through their siphons, and while doing so, lay down a smoke screen of ink to confuse predators and hide their escape. They can also instantly change their color, surface texture and shape to expertly camouflage themselves. They are quite curious, and if you do not pursue them or threaten them they will frequently come very close, as you can see here, and they are among our favorite undersea denizens. All of these photos are just off the island of Mabul in the state of Sabah on Malaysian Borneo, where we saw even more of them, but this is enough images for now. Same photo gear as shown in my frogfish thread.

[richam]

Stuart,

Just great shots of very interesting creatures. I also checked the frogfish posting (although I had to do a search because the link above did not seem to work). They were even more interesting. I'm glad, and perhaps a bit envious, that you are enjoying these undersea adventures.

Could you comment on the size of these cuttlefish? The Mediterranean variety we have here in Greece are about the size of a person's spread out hand, or just slightly bigger. These seem to be larger, somehow.

[stuny]

Michael -

Thank you. These are quite large -- more than half a meter, not counting the tentacles. The species is "pharoh cuttlefish".

[lightpainter]

I'd like to be, under the sea.....; it's a pity diving is not my cup of tea, it must be a pleasure to meet these fantastic animals eye to eye; thanks for sharing your experience with us. Great work.

Heiner

[stuny]

Heiner -

Very clever, and thank you.

[azzo]

I bet that at least the 4th and the last are printed and already hanging in your office.
I would, if I were you Stuart.

Stuart,

Excellent captures and well done.

[roguewave]

Stu, I like #1 the best. Super cool shots of a graceful species.

[stuny]

Ivan - thank you. I'm partial to 1 & 4 and might print one or both for my office.

Ben - Thank you. As you see above, 1 is one of my favorites. I have another 8 or 10 cuttlefish shots I didn't even bother to post. Delightful creatures.

[TONTONTINTIN.123]

Stuart, another great series. Super!

[rob_x2004]

These things get quite...aggressive. And they get big, about the size of a small rowing boat. And even the little ones have plenty of black stuff in em, enough to turn the surf black for a hundred meters. Nice to see them on a fine day.

[stuny]

Rob -

Thank you. I've never found them to be aggressive.