Cuttlefish inhabit tropical to temperate ocean waters. They live mainly in shallow waters. They range in size between 15 and 50 cm, and they have a large brain compared to their body size, making them among the most intelligent invertebrates. 

Because of its very large brain, the cuttlefish has very advanced eyes with a pupil that looks like the letter W. However, it is colorblind, which is curious because the cuttlefish can change its color and texture instantaneously to blend in with its environment and escape predators, but also to hypnotize a potential prey before snatching it with its two deadly tentacles! 

The cuttlefish feeds by extending two hidden feeding tentacles, which it uses to snatch prey and pull it towards its beak. Yep, it has a beak! 

To move through the ocean, the cuttlefish has a wavy fin surrounding its mantle. It also has a siphon, which is a muscular tube out of which it squirts water for fast propulsion. 

It has three hearts for pumping its green to bluish blood.

Magic is overrated… Did you know that some animals have a rare ability to disappear right in front of your eyes? Today we look at the fascinating shape shifters from nature, beings armed with camouflage that makes Harry Potter’s invisibility cloak look lame!

1. Octopus

The octopus is a master of transformation. In the deep sea the shapes of the long armed predators emerges and disappears without enough time for the human eye to register. Octopus have no claws, fangs or advanced weapons in their artillery, so camouflage is their best bet if they are to avoid being eaten by something bigger and more frightening. This video from scientist Roger Hanlon shows just how far they can go in the fight for survival. Impressive, isn’t it? 

2. Leaf Tailed Gecko

Image courtesy of Frank Vassen

This sneaky fellow is easily mistaken for a tree with its mossy leaf camouflage. On a good day they can trick even the most cunning of animals into believing that they are in fact branches.

3. Malaysian Orchid Mantis

Image courtesy of Post Memes

This graceful mantis from Malaysia resembles a flower with its white and pink look which gives them the perfect camouflage. Their natural habitat consist of flowers of similar colour to themselves, allowing them to play hide and seek with the predators… But can they ever be found?  

4. The stonefish

Image courtesy of Silke Baron

The stonefish is not to be missed. This fascinating creature like to hide on the bottom of the sea and unlike many of the other animals on the list, the stonefish is in fact very venomous… So take extra care when heading for the sea!

5. Dead leaf butterflies

Image courtesy of Swallowtail Garden Seeds

Hang on, that’s a leaf right? No, this is in fact a butterfly with a bit of a camouflage boost. If this cute flyer decided to pay the trees a visit it could certainly hide amongst the leaves without being noticed.

Think you could find these animals i n their natural habitat? Care to put that to the test? Why not go diving to look for these marine species, or take a walk through Madagascar's forests to find the leaf-tailed gecko? It's not as easy as it seems!

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