Pfeffer's Flamboyant Cuttlefish
Metasepia pfefferi
Metasepia pfefferi is a small beautiful cuttlefish found across the Indo West Pacific. It differs from other cuttlefish by a prominent white bar on each side of the dorsal mantle and its unusual diamond shaped cuttlebone.
Morphology
This species has a squat, robust body and striking colour patterns of chocolate brown and white. It also has a white bar on each side of the dorsal mantle. The mantle of the animal can reach 8cm in length, and it possesses a characteristic diamond shape cuttlebone which lacks a spine.
Evolution
The genus Metasepia contains only two described species (according to WoRMS), and it is closesly related to the two other Sepiidae genera Sepia and Sepiella.
Behaviour
This species is often encountered in shallow waters on sand and mud where it hunts fish and crustaceans. It can exhibit excellent camouflage which may help stalk prey or mimic distateful animals.
Method of reproduction
Sexual; female lays eggs one at a time in crevices/ledges of coral, rock or wood, safe from predators.
Habitat
Marine
Shallow waters on sand and mud
Distribution
Indo-west Pacific. In Australia, Norman and Reid (2000) report it from Shark Bay in WA across to Mooloolaba in QLD.
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum: | Mollusca |
| Class: | Cephalopoda |
| Subclass: | Coleoidea |
| Superorder: | Decapodiformes |
| Order: | Sepiida |
| Family: | Sepiidae |
| Genus: | Metasepia |
| Species: | pfefferi |
| Name Published Year: | 1885 |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name Authorship: | Hoyle |
| Commercial Impact: | None |
| Conservation Assessment: | Data Deficient |
Cite this page
Western Australian Museum Collections https://museum.wa.gov.au/online-collections/names/Metasepia-pfefferi
Accessed 24 Apr 2025
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