Cuttlefish are renowned for their remarkable camouflage abilities, which they use to hunt prey and evade predators. A new study published in the journal Ecology has shed light on the complex mechanisms behind this behavior, revealing that cuttlefish employ multiple displays to deceive their surroundings.
One of the key strategies used by cuttlefish is mimicking benign ocean objects such as leaves or coral. They can also flash dark stripes down their bodies to startle predators or sneak up on prey. Interestingly, individual cuttlefish seem to favor different hunting displays depending on the environment they are in.
Cuttlefish achieve this remarkable color-shifting ability due to the unique structure of their skin, which features chromatophores that contain pigment cells. These cells can be stimulated by electrical pulses, causing them to expand and change color. Additionally, iridophores – dynamic structural colors similar to butterfly wings – can be tuned to reflect different wavelengths of light.
Furthermore, leucophores are found in cuttlefish and octopuses, scattering the full spectrum of light to appear white. Some female squid also possess these cells, allowing them to control which wavelengths of light scatter.
Recent research has revealed that the process by which cuttlefish generate their camouflage patterns is far more intricate than previously thought. Cuttlefish can adapt their skin patterns to match different backgrounds, often pausing in between transitions. This suggests that feedback plays a crucial role in their camouflage abilities, allowing them to refine their patterns and improve their chances of survival.
Source: https://arstechnica.com/science/2025/02/crafty-cuttlefish-vary-their-camouflage