Cuttlefish are a most remarkable animal, being able to change both the colour and the texture of their skin. These abilities are used for hunting, defence and communication. They have been rated as a very inteligent animal.

At the right time of year, giant cuttlefish lay their eggs in the cave. A huge male with his colours flashing is a spectacular sight to see.

• Despite their common name, cuttlefish are not fish but molluscs. Recent studies indicate that cuttlefish are among the most intelligent invertebrate species
• Their life expectancy is about one to two year
• Cuttlefish have ink, like squid and octopuses. This ink was formerly an important dye, called sepia. Today artificial dyes have replaced natural sepia
• They can jet propel themselves backwards by sucking water into their body cavity and then expelling it through a funnel. This produces a very rapid backward movement, which is usually reserved for escaping predators.
  Hovering and normal swimming is achieved by gentle undulations of their lateral (side) fins. In addition, gas can be passed into small spaces within the cuttlebone to change their buoyancy and move up or down in the water column.

More information can be found on the fish rock cave dive site page.