Communication and Perception
Cuttlefish in general have a well-developed brain that can see, smell, and sense sound waves. The cuttlefish will change colors in response to its environment, either to lure in prey or avoid predators. Males may put on displays to attract a female. Some cuttlefish are able to go through mazes through use of visual cues.
Cuttlefish also have a well developed eye which can detect polarized light, but it is likely color-blind. Reshaping the eye allows it to focus on specific objects.
Communication Channels: visual ; tactile ; acoustic ; chemical
Perception Channels: visual ; polarized light ; tactile ; acoustic ; vibrations ; chemical
- Smithsonian National Zoological Park. 2008. "Cephalopods: Color Change and Disguise" (On-line). Smithsonian National Zoological Park. Accessed December 20, 2010 at http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/Invertebrates/Facts/cephalopods/colordisguise.cfm.
