Monthly Archives: July 2026

Cuttlefish are masters at changing the colors and patterns they display.

Changing Colors

Cuttlefish are close relatives of octopus and squid. These are all cephalopods and have the ability to quickly change color. A cuttlefish can display a completely different pattern in less than a second.

Three different kinds of specialized skin cells work together to produce these changes. Every wave of color across the body of a cuttlefish is produced by thousands of tiny skin cells working together under the control of a remarkably sophisticated nervous system.

Three Layers of Skin Cells

The outer skin of a cuttlefish contains three kinds of specialized cells. Each has a different function.

The first are called chromatophores. These are tiny sacs filled with colored pigment. The pigments are yellow, red, brown, and black. Small muscles surround each chromatophore. When the muscles contract, the pigment sac expands and becomes visible. When the muscles relax, the pigment shrinks almost out of sight. Thousands of chromatophores work together to create changing patterns across the body.

Beneath the chromatophores are iridophores. These cells contain no pigment. Instead, they reflect light using microscopic structures inside the skin. Iridophores can produce brilliant blues, greens, and metallic colors that seem to shimmer as the animal moves.

The deepest layer contains leucophores. These cells scatter light. They reflect the colors of the surrounding environment and help the cuttlefish blend naturally with different backgrounds.

Together, these three kinds of skin cells allow a cuttlefish to produce an astonishing variety of colors and patterns.

More Than Camouflage

Camouflage is one reason cuttlefish change color. This helps them avoid predators. Concealing their presence also helps when hunting. As you watch our video, notice when the cuttlefish blends in with the surrounding hard corals.   

Communication is another reason for changing color. A male may display bold stripes or contrasting patterns while courting a female. Bright displays can also warn rival males to stay away.

Changing Texture

A cuttlefish does more than change color. It can also change the texture of its skin.

Small muscular bumps, called papillae, can be raised or lowered. Smooth skin can quickly become rough. The animal may resemble a piece of coral, a rock, or a patch of algae. Combined with changing colors, this makes the camouflage even more effective.

Cuttlefish in Gorontalo

Several species of cuttlefish occur in Indonesian waters. Divers in Gorontalo will most likely see the Broadclub Cuttlefish (Sepia latimanus). They rest on coral reefs, sandy bottoms, or areas of rubble. They often remain unnoticed until they move or begin changing color.

Watching a cuttlefish display its changing patterns is one of the most fascinating encounters a diver can experience. For your chance to see a cuttlefish in Gorontalo, please contact us for your dive trip booking.