Flamboyant cuttlefish

Photo: Jane Kempler & Andrew Goldby Freelance · CC BY-NC-ND

One of the most charismatic cephalopods in Southeast Asian waters, flamboyant cuttlefish are small — rarely exceeding 8 cm — but produce an extraordinary rippling display of purples, reds, and yellows when disturbed. Unlike other cuttlefish they walk along the seafloor on modified arms rather than swimming, a behaviour associated with their toxic flesh, which is unusual among cephalopods. They are active hunters of small shrimps and fish in sand and rubble at 10 to 20 m. Kontiki's sandy channels between coral bommies are prime habitat, and local guides reliably locate individuals on guided dives.