Group of giant cuttlefish in Spencer Gulf, off Whyalla, South Australia

© Gary Bell/Minden Picture

Inked and undercover. Giant cuttlefish, Whyalla, South Australia, Australia

Prepare to be amazed by the giant cuttlefish, known for its mesmerising ability to transform its appearance in the blink of an eye. This cuttlefish is found in the temperate and subtropical waters of Australia, ranging from Brisbane in Queensland and Shark Bay in Western Australia to as far south as Tasmania. Featured here is a giant cuttlefish in Whyalla, South Australia. In this region, where males are significantly outnumbered, a unique gender imbalance fuels intense competition for mating rights.

Often referred to as the Australian giant cuttlefish, this species holds the title of the largest of its kind on Earth. It can reach an impressive mantle length of over 50 centimetres and stretches up to a total length of one metres when its tentacles are fully extended. Weighing more than 10 kilograms, this marine heavyweight is as fascinating as it is formidable. Like all cuttlefish, this species has eight arms, two feeding tentacles, three hearts and blue blood. However, its most spectacular feature is its skin, which is equipped with chromatophores—specialised cells that allow it to change colours and patterns. Despite being colourblind, cuttlefish have eyes equipped with photoreceptors that detect the linear polarisation of light.