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Cunning Cuttlefish

By dr. dolittle on July 21, 2011.

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I watched an amazing Nova special on cuttlefish, a relative of octopus. These animals really are the "Kings of Camouflage!" I have seen animals that can change colors to match their environments, but I have never seen one able to produce moving colors or to contort their bodies to mimic objects in their environment, like seaweed. Even more amazing is that researchers have discovered one species, the flamboyant cuttlefish, that is actually poisonous which explains why they are brave enough to walk around the ocean floor instead of swim like their cousins. Researchers are currently examining this poison to determine if it will be useful to medicine. This is really a must-see video!!

As if their behavior and ability to adapt were not cool enough, these animals have a bizarre anatomy as well. Their blood is actually blue-green, they have 3 hearts and their brains are shaped like donuts! You can watch a video describing their anatomy on the NOVA website as well.

I could just sit and watch these fish all day. I wonder if the local aquarium has any. Although I am sure the local fish market does as they are a delicacy in some cultures.

Crispy or stuffed cuttlefish anyone?

Crispy Cuttlefish Recipe.png

Thumbnail image for Stuffed Cuttlefish recipe.png

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Life Sciences

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This is fascinating! What is there vision like? Do they really see around them clearly enough to have evolved mimicry?