Known for its vibrant, mesmerizing colors and extraordinary abilities to change patterns in an instant, the flamboyant cuttlefish is a sight to see in the ocean. If you’re a diver, an underwater photographer, or just a marine enthusiast, you certainly shouldn’t miss the chance to spot this marine critter in the ocean!
Aside from its flashing colors, the flamboyant cuttlefish is also known for its unique behavior. Unlike most cuttlefish, it is often seen ‘walking’ across the seafloor on its arms, making it a rare and exciting encounter during dives.
Eager to know more about this intriguing sea critter? Read on to dive into the world of the flamboyant cuttlefish!
What Makes the Flamboyant Cuttlefish Unique?
The flamboyant cuttlefish (Metasepia pfefferi) is a small cephalopod typically reaching about 8 centimeters in length. Instead of hovering or swimming, the flamboyant cuttlefish is frequently seen ‘walking’ across sandy or muddy seabeds using its arms and specialized fins.
This behavior is useful for both hunting and as a defense mechanism. By staying low to the seabed, the flamboyant cuttlefish minimizes exposure to predators while it searches for prey such as shrimp, crabs, and fish.
Additionally, when threatened or excited, the flamboyant cuttlefish pulses rapid color changes. These intense displays serve as a visual warning, as this cuttlefish is toxic. Scientists believe that the flamboyant cuttlefish’s flesh contains unique toxins, making it one of the few venomous cuttlefish known to science.
The ability to rapidly alter skin color is made possible by chromatophores, which are pigment cells that expand and contract to produce dynamic patterns.
Best Places to Find Flamboyant Cuttlefish
The flamboyant cuttlefish are commonly seen in tropical Indo-Pacific waters, so you’ll have the best chances to find these creatures in these regions:
1. Lembeh Strait, Indonesia
The Lembeh Strait is one of the best and most iconic muck-diving destinations in the world, offering plenty of chances to encounter unique and rare sea critters, including the stunning flamboyant cuttlefish. These creatures are often seen frolicking on sandy slopes, coral rubble, and muck sites such as Jahir and Air Bajo. This location is praised for its relatively easy sightings and spectacular underwater photography opportunities.
2. Anilao, Philippines
Anilao is another top-tier muck diving site where you can spot flamboyant cuttlefish among sandy patches! This area is famous for its macro biodiversity and expert dive guides, making encounters more common. The calm conditions and easy access from Manila make Anilao a favorite destination for underwater photographers seeking rare critters.
3. Papua New Guinea, Milne Bay
The birthplace of ‘muck diving’, Milne Bay offers remote, critter-rich sites like Dinah’s Beach. The flamboyant cuttlefish are a part of this thriving ecosystem, often seen nestled in sandy and rubble-covered sea floors. The pristine, less-crowded dive sites in Milne Bay make it an excellent location to spot the flamboyant cuttlefish and other rare critters, such as mimic octopuses and ghost pipefish.
4. Northern Australia
Northern Australia is one of the best places to find flamboyant cuttlefish due to its warm, shallow coastal waters and rich, sandy or muddy habitats that these creatures prefer. The area’s extensive coastline, abundant food sources, and relatively low dive traffic offer opportunities for close and uninterrupted encounters.
Photographing the Flamboyant Cuttlefish
For many photographers, the flamboyant cuttlefish is a dream subject. Here’s how to get those stunning shots while respecting the animal’s well-being:
- Choose the right lens & get close: Use a 60mm or 100-105mmmacro lens for optimal composition and minimal backscatter. (8)
- Perfect Your Lighting: Use strobes or snoots to help highlight colors and textures. Keep the strobe power low on sandy backgrounds to avoid overexposure.
- Capture behavior and burst mode: These cuttlefish can flash through colors in under a second. Use burst or continuous shooting to record this rapid change and capture hunting or mating behaviors.
- Respectful approach: Move slowly and keep a low profile to avoid disturbing the animal. Allow color displays to occur naturally.
Let’s Find the Flamboyant Cuttlefish with Solitude World!
The flamboyant cuttlefish is more than just a beautiful critter; it is also a master of survival and visual communication! Eager to see them with your own eyes? Join us at Solitude Lembeh Resort!
Located in Lembeh Strait, the premier muck-dive destination, our resort offers you easy access to see the flamboyant cuttlefish and other mesmerizing critters, including the frogfish, mimic octopus, ghost pipefish, and many more!
Our PADI-certified guides are experts at locating these elusive animals while ensuring minimal environmental impact. For underwater photographers, our resort also offers specialized photography support, from dedicated camera rooms to expert-led workshops.
Book your stay at Solitude Liveaboards and Resorts today!