Cuttlefish
are related to squids and octopuses – a group of molluscs known as
cephalopods. You may have seen the chalky internal shell, called a
cuttlebone washed up on beaches around the UK. These are often used in
budgie cages, as a calcium-rich dietary supplement for the bird.
Species information
Category
Statistics
Length: up to 45cm Average Lifespan: 2 yearsConservation status
Common
When to see
January to DecemberAbout
Common cuttlefish are the largest found in UK seas and a fierce predator. They make light work of crabs, fish and even small cuttlefish! They live in water up to 200 metres deep but come to shallow waters to breed in spring. Their eggs are dyed black with cuttlefish ink, which gives them the appearance of grapes – giving them their name ‘sea grapes’. Cuttlefish usually live for two years and die after they have bred.How to identify
Cuttlefish are a chunky squid-like creature with a well-developed head, large eyes and mouths with beak-like jaws. They have a fin that runs around their body, eight 'arms' with suckers plus two tentacles around the mouth. Cuttlefish are extremely variable in colour, but are usually blackish-brown, mottled or striped. The cuttlebones found washed ashore are white, chalky and oval-shaped with thin harder 'wings' at one end.Distribution
Found around all coasts of the UK, more common on south and west coasts.Cuttlefish
are related to squids and octopuses – a group of molluscs known as
cephalopods. You may have seen the chalky internal shell, called a
cuttlebone washed up on beaches around the UK. These are often used in
budgie cages, as a calcium-rich dietary supplement for the bird.
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