Group of giant cuttlefish, Whyalla, South Australia

Prepare to be amazed by the giant cuttlefish, known for its mesmerizing 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 20 inches and stretches up to a total length of 39 inches when its tentacles are fully extended. Weighing over 23 pounds, 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—specialized cells that allow it to change colors and patterns. Despite being colorblind, cuttlefish have eyes equipped with photoreceptors that detect the linear polarization of light.
© Gary Bell/Minden Pictures