Revolutionary Study Reveals How Cuttlefish Master Camouflage to Hunt Prey Effectively

Cuttlefish are fascinating hunters, known for their incredible ability to blend into their surroundings. A recent study published in the journal Ecology highlights their clever camouflage techniques. They can imitate harmless ocean items like leaves or coral and even display striking dark stripes while stalking prey. Interestingly, each cuttlefish seems to have its own favorite camouflage method, depending on the environment.

These amazing sea creatures have specialized skin that allows them to change color quickly. Their skin contains unique structures called chromatophores, which consist of pigment cells. Each chromatophore is linked to muscle fibers that can contract when stimulated by nerves. This contraction causes the pigment cells to expand, altering the skin’s color. When the muscle relaxes, the color changes back.

Beneath the chromatophores, cuttlefish have another layer of cells called iridophores. Unlike chromatophores, these cells don’t rely on pigments; instead, they create color through structural changes, similar to how butterfly wings reflect light. Iridophores can change to reflect various light wavelengths thanks to a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. Together, the two layers of cells provide cuttlefish with their remarkable color-changing ability.

Cuttlefish also possess leucophores, which scatter light to appear white. These cells contain reflectin proteins that structure themselves into nanoparticles, allowing light to scatter rather than being absorbed. Mostly found in cuttlefish and octopuses, some female squid, like those in the genus Sepioteuthis, can adjust their leucophores to scatter specific light wavelengths. This adaptation can make them seem more transparent or opaque based on how they scatter the light.

A study in 2023 revealed that the way cuttlefish create their camouflage is more intricate than scientists had previously thought. These creatures can alter their skin patterns to blend in with different backgrounds—both natural and artificial. What’s surprising is that they don’t follow a fixed pattern. Instead, they often pause and adjust their camouflage, suggesting that they actively correct and refine their patterns for better blending.