A cut above? Well, really a cut below. as in below us in the deep blue sea (well, they mostly hang around in more shallow). We’re talking about Cuttlefish! Those amazing pattern-changing shape-shifting cephalopods. And they do it in spectacular technicolor; sometimes even glowing technicolor.
So next week, pooties and woozles and birdeez and other critter friends will return. And they will probably also make guest appearances this evening in the comments. But tonight our favorite critters have graciously taken the night off and given center stage to the intriguing cuttlefish.
But before we start the cuddlefest cuttlefest, let’s review the Peeps Rulz as requested by the Management.
- Do not “Troll” the Pootie Peeps Diaries. If you don’t like animal diaries, there’s no need to tell us about it. Just go find some other diary more to your liking.
- Whatever happens in the outer blog STAYS in the outer blog. This is a place to relax and play; please treat it accordingly. So, no pie fights please.
- If you would like a pic from the comment threads, please ask the poster. He/she may have a copyright to those pics. Many thanks!
- There are some pics we never post: 1) snakes and creepy crawlies (some folks have phobias). 2) Any and all photos that depict or encourage human cruelty toward animals, even in jest, are considered “out of bounds” and will not be tolerated.
- If you’re not sure about an issue...please ask. Someone is always glad to help.
- Links to the Community Needs List or other fundraising diaries are always welcome here. Just links with a short explanation, please, and not the entire fundraising request, per the management.
PWBPeeps posts two diaries a day for animal lovers: a daytime diary at 1:45 pm Eastern and a nightly open thread at 10 pm Eastern. We concoct silly stories, share photos, seek & give advice about pet health and behavior issues, support each other in times of sadness and stress, celebrate together when times are good, and on most days have an inordinate amount of fun.
You are welcome to join us! Be kind to one another, we’re all in this together.
This is an open thread. The show commences below the fold.
Cuttlefish: Not Really a Fish
Cuttlefish are marine animals of the order Sepiida. They belong to the class Cephalopoda (which also includes squid, octopuses, and nautiluses). Despite their name, cuttlefish are not fish but molluscs. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuttlefish
To find out even more about this amazing group of animals, visit here: 6 Amazing Facts
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Cuttlefish: Masters of Disguise
Most cuttlefish are smaller than we might imagine. So their ability to hide is essential for their survival as well as helping them find their own meal. They can change the texture of the surface of their skin to look like corral, or the pebbley sea floor. They can change the pattern and color of their skin to blend in with their surroundings.
The cuttlefish does this intentionally, based on what it sees (and they seem to visually perceive the world very much as we do). But can they change to look like a checkerboard?
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Cuttlefish: Flash
Not all cuttlefish use their spectacular ability to change shape and color to blend in. Some species like to be noticed, especially during mating season. The tiniest of the cuttles are among the flashiest. They flaunt their individual style. Why? To look threatening to potential predators.
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Cuttlefish Can Count Better Than a Toddler
It’s helpful for a species to have a sense of numbers. For example, in most cases, a predator will have a better chance of getting a meal if it follows the large school of guppies vs the single guppy. Cuttlefish, like many of its cephalopod cousins, are extremely intelligent and use their number sense when making decisions. But researchers wanted to know how finely tuned this sense was. Could cuttlefish determine the difference between close numbers: 4 vs 5? Let’s find out.