Cuttlefish

Common Cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis)

• Size: Up to 45 cm in length

• Appearance: Oval, soft-bodied with a broad head, large eyes, and short arms with suckers; changes color and pattern instantly

• Habitat: Sandy and muddy bottoms, seagrass beds, and shallow coastal waters

• Behavior: Masters of camouflage, cuttlefish use their skin to blend into their surroundings or signal mood and intent. They hunt small fish, crabs, and shrimp—often seen hovering just above the seabed.

• Notes: Widespread and often seen by divers in Crete, especially in spring when they come closer to shore to mate and lay eggs. Watch for their graceful movement and sudden flashes of color when startled.

Cuttlefish are fascinating marine creatures commonly found in the waters around Crete, renowned for their extraordinary ability to blend seamlessly into their surroundings. Using specialized skin cells, they can change color, pattern, and texture almost instantly—an incredible form of camouflage that helps them evade predators and sneak up on prey. These highly intelligent cephalopods move with a graceful, almost hypnotic rhythm, gliding effortlessly over sandy bottoms and seagrass beds. Their dynamic color changes are not just for hiding; cuttlefish also use them to communicate with other cuttlefish during mating displays or territorial disputes. For divers exploring Crete’s underwater world, spotting a cuttlefish is a special experience—a rare chance to witness the mesmerizing behaviors of one of the Mediterranean’s most remarkable and enigmatic inhabitants.