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Animal profile

Broadclub Cuttlefish

Sepia latimanus

CephalopodaCoral reefs and adjacent seagrass beds in shallow tropical Indo-Pacific waters

Field profile

The broadclub cuttlefish is one of the largest cuttlefish species, reaching about half a metre in total length. It is a reef predator of crabs and fish and is known for the moving light-and-dark bands it runs across its arms while approaching prey.

Scope note

This is an editorial profile, not a diagnostic field-identification guide or a substitute for current conservation assessments. Follow the cited sources on each fact for the evidence trail.

Published field notes

2024-02-24

Broadclub Cuttlefish

This cuttlefish runs stripes down its arms at crabs

Approaching a crab, the broadclub cuttlefish sends dark bands sweeping forward across its body and arms. Experiments indicate the moving pattern interferes with the crab's ability to detect the approach.

Read with evidence →

Broadclub Cuttlefish | Daily Animal Facts