Giant Cuttlefish
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ID#1
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Classification: mollusk
Endangered Status: nearly threatened Habitat: ocean waters, kelp forests, reefs, and sea grass meadows The giant cuttlefish has a large mantle, which is the shape of a large bulb. The mantle connects immediately with the giant cuttlefishes large head, which in turn connects to the eight arms and two tentacles. The difference between the arms and tentacles are that the tentacles are longer and used for eating and mating. They can change color and texture at will, and they can tweak their shape. The average giant cuttlefish weighs about 23 pounds and is about a meter in length. Giant cuttlefish are not aggressive, and do not have the means to attack. They live by themselves, but will spend a short time protecting their young. Giant cuttlefish are active at both day and night, but spend most of their time sleeping and hunting. Giant cuttlefish hunt by changing texture and color so they blend into the background, and then stalking their prey. The giant cuttlefish eats fish and crustaceans. Giant cuttlefish start to migrate to mating grounds in the winter, with mating peaking in May and June. The male impresses the female by rapidly changing colors. The giant cuttlefish reproduces once in its two year life span. It lays 100-1000 eggs in underwater crevices. The giant cuttlefish’s eggs hatch after two to three months. A baby giant cuttlefish is called a cuttlet. Giant cuttlefish, like most cephalopods, are very interesting species, having adapted strangely. It can change color, shape, and texture at will, allowing it to completely bend into its surroundings. It also has no bones except its cuttlebone, which is not actually a bone but made from calcium carbonate to help control buoyancy. Because of its lack of bones it can squeeze through very small openings. Another remarkable thing it can do is squirt ink, which can blind its predators, as well as temporarily shutting down its predator’s sense of smell. Lastly the giant cuttlefish can use jet propulsion to quickly get around. |