The largest of all the cuttlefish and an expert at colour change and camouflage. They can change colour in an instant, and by raising parts of their skin, they can also change shape and texture to imitate rock, sand or seaweed. These displays have various interpretations to other marine creatures and may be used for camouflage, mating or even hypnotising prey.

It can be identified by two rows of three skin flap-like papillae over each eye.
Their cuttlebones can be identified by the lack of a spine and a rough V-shaped thickening (callus) at posterior end. The outer cone is wide and flared in the adult

At a glance

Habitat Rocky reefs, kelp forests and seagrass meadows to a depth of 100 m
Size Can grow to a mantel length of around 50cm
Origin Native
Distribution From Brisbane in Queensland to Shark Bay in Western Australia including Tasmania
Descriptions
Distribution
From Brisbane in Queensland to Shark Bay in Western Australia including Tasmania
Habitat
Rocky reefs, kelp forests and seagrass meadows to a depth of 100 m
Size
Can grow to a mantel length of around 50cm
Common Name Giant Australian Cuttlefish
Aliases No Known Aliases
Origin Native
Conservation Near Threatened
Tags
Share
Distribution and map

Distribution provided by The Atlas of Living Australia

Classification

Classification

KingdomAnimalia
PhylumMollusca
ClassCephalopoda
SubclassColeoidea
SuperorderDecapodiformes
OrderSepiida
FamilySepiidae
GenusAscarosepion
SpeciesAscarosepion apama
Synonyms

Synonyms

There are no known synonyms for this species
References and dates
Original No original text available
Bibliography View page references
Added Sat 11 Jul 2020 @ 00:00 AM
Updated Thu 3 Apr 2025 @ 08:42 AM
Surveys View Survey List
Share your ❤️  Buy me a ☕
Files
Type Details Version Size Added Updated Links
There are no downloads or Files for this species at the moment

Disclaimer: A lot of work goes into trying to identify and ensure accurate identifications are made, and that the listed Descriptions, Sizes, Habitats and Distribution information is as accurate and valid as possible. Unfortunately, information in this arena is ever changing and as such no guarantee can be offered that it is correct or currently valid — the information is provided as a guide, and it is always suggested that you do a little research to ensure you have the latest and most accurate information. View the references or bibliography. Feedback and comments on the information provided are always welcome.