Physiological studies have shown that the epidermal head and arm lines in cephalopods are a mechanoreceptive system that is similar to the fish and amphibian lateral lines (Budelmann BU, Bleckmann H. 1988. A lateral line analogue in cephalopods: Water waves generate microphonic potentials in the epidermal head lines of Sepia officinalis and Lolliguncula brevis. J. Comp. Physiol. A 164:1–5.); ho...

The cuttlefish, Sepia officinalis, provides a fascinating opportunity to investigate the mechanisms of camouflage as it rapidly changes its body patterns in response to the visual environment. We investigated how edge information determines camouflage responses through the use of spatially high-pass filtered 'objects' and of isolated edges. We then investigated how the body pattern responds to ...

The optic lobe is the largest structure in the cuttlefish brain. While the general morphology of the optic lobe in adult cuttlefish has been well described, the 3D structure and ontogenetic development of its neural organization have not been characterized. To correlate observed behavioral changes within the brain structure along the development of this animal, optic lobes from the late embryon...

Camouflage is common throughout the phylogenetic tree and is largely used to minimize detection by predator or prey. Cephalopods, and in particular Sepia officinalis cuttlefish, are common models for camouflage studies. Predator avoidance behavior is particularly important in this group of soft-bodied animals that lack significant physical defenses. While previous studies have suggested that im...

Acetylcholine (ACh), which is synthesized from choline (Ch), is believed to hold a central place in signaling mechanisms within the central nervous system (CNS) of cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) and other coleoid cephalopods. Although the main elements required for cholinergic function have been identified in cephalopods, the transmembrane translocation events promoting the release of ACh and t...

Evidence of sex differences in spatial cognition have been reported in a wide range of vertebrate species. Several evolutionary hypotheses have been proposed to explain these differences. The one best supported is the range size hypothesis that links spatial ability to range size. Our study aimed to determine whether male cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis; cephalopod mollusc) range over a larger ar...

It is virtually impossible to camouflage a moving target against a non-uniform background, but strategies have been proposed to reduce detection and targeting of movement. Best known is the idea that high contrast markings produce 'motion dazzle', which impairs judgement of speed and trajectory. The ability of the cuttlefish Sepia officinalis to change its visual appearance allows us to compare...

Cuttlefish are masters of disguise, rapidly changing colour to blend with their backgrounds. A new study shows that they break camouflage to direct warning messages at certain predators, but only those likely to be dissuaded by visual signals.