A master of disguise with a vertebrate-like capacity for self-control

Nature · Published 30 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Beneath the ocean surface, cuttlefish use complex visual displays to communicate and survive. Beyond their famous ability to change color and texture, these cephalopods exhibit sophisticated cognitive behaviors, including the ability to delay immediate gratification in favor of higher-quality rewards—a trait often associated with advanced vertebrate intelligence.

Cuttlefish are marine cephalopods belonging to the order Sepioidea. They are distinguished by a thick internal calcified shell known as a cuttlebone and bodies that range from 2.5 to 90 cm in length. While they share some anatomical similarities with octopuses and squid, their unique morphology includes eight arms and two longer tentacles equipped with suction disks for capturing prey like crustaceans and small fish. These animals typically reside in temperate or tropical coastal waters. During the winter months, they often migrate into deeper environments. They are also utilized by humans for their ink and as a source of food.

The evolutionary history of the modern cuttlefish dates back to the Miocene Epoch, beginning approximately 23 million years ago. They are derived from belemnite-like ancestors. Morphological research highlights that their brains are notably large relative to their body size, supporting their reputation as some of the ocean's most intelligent creatures. This physical complexity is paired with a sophisticated communication system involving movement and visual signals. Their bodies feature somewhat flattened shapes with narrow fins on the edges. These creatures inhabit various regions, including the Great Barrier Reef off Australia's northeastern coast.

Behavioral studies on the common cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) provide compelling evidence of high-level cognition. Specifically, researchers observed that this species can learn to forgo lower-quality food items, such as bits of crab or prawn meat, to wait for a preferred reward like live shrimp. This ability to delay immediate gratification suggests a level of self-control and problem-solving similar to that found in intelligent vertebrates. The common cuttlefish typically breeds during the spring and summer seasons. Each breeding cycle produces a clutch of approximately 100 to 300 eggs. They are also known to prey on one another in addition to smaller marine life.

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