Cuttlefish Sepia spp.
Distribution: Several species of cuttlefish inhabit NSW waters ranging from the shallow inshore reefs and weeds beds to deep offshore areas.
Size: The Australian Giant Cuttlefish has been recorded over 40cm mantle length and more than 5kg in weight. More common, smaller species rarely grow more than 20cm mantle length.
Characteristics: Cuttlefish have a more rounded body when compared to a squid and also have a much more rigid ‘cuttlebone’. These invertebrates have a small fin that rings nearly the entire mantle, 8 arms and two much longer tentacles used to catch prey. The eyes are large and are located forward on the head. This creature is able to change colour and produce protrusions from its skin to mimic its environment.
Confusing species: May be confused with some squid species.