Class

Common name: Cephalopods

Scientific name: Cephalopoda

Cephalopods, a class within the phylum Mollusca, are a fascinating and diverse group of marine animals that include octopuses, squids, cuttlefish, and nautiluses. These creatures are renowned for their intelligence, complex behaviors, and remarkable adaptability. Cephalopods are characterized by their bilateral body symmetry, a prominent head, and a set of arms or tentacles. Most species have a well-developed nervous system and exhibit advanced behaviors such as problem-solving and communication through color changes.

Octopuses, perhaps the most well-known cephalopods, are highly intelligent and have been observed using tools and engaging in playful activities. Their ability to change color and texture for camouflage, communication, and hunting is facilitated by specialized skin cells called chromatophores. Squids are known for their streamlined bodies and exceptional swimming abilities, making them efficient predators in the open ocean. Cuttlefish, with their unique internal shell known as a cuttlebone, are masters of camouflage and can blend seamlessly into their surroundings.

Nautiluses, on the other hand, are considered living fossils, with a lineage that dates back hundreds of millions of years. They possess a coiled external shell and rely on jet propulsion to navigate the deep ocean. Unlike their more advanced relatives, nautiluses have simpler nervous systems and lack the ability to change color.

For aquarium enthusiasts, cephalopods can be both challenging and rewarding to keep. They require specialized care, including a well-sealed tank to prevent escape and a diet rich in live or frozen prey. Cephalopods are sensitive to water quality, so maintaining stable and optimal conditions is crucial. Their short lifespans and specific habitat needs make them suitable for experienced aquarists who are prepared to meet their unique requirements.

  1. Algae Octopus (Abdopus aculeatus) camouflages perfectly with its surrounding on coral reef
    Common name: Algae Octopus
    Scientific name: Abdopus aculeatus
  2. Needle Cuttlefish (Acanthosepion aculeatum)
    Common name: Needle Cuttlefish
    Scientific name: Acanthosepion aculeatum
  3. Pharaoh Cuttlefish swimming in the blue
    Common name: Pharaoh Cuttlefish
    Scientific name: Acanthosepion pharaonis
  4. Coconut Octopus (Amphioctopus marginatus) making its house from a shell in the night. Macro underwater world of Tulamben, Bali, Indonesia
    Common name: Coconut Octopus
    Scientific name: Amphioctopus marginatus
  5. Dwarf Cuttlefish (Ascarosepion bandense) at Lembeh strait, Indonesia
    Common name: Dwarf Cuttlefish
    Scientific name: Ascarosepion bandense
  6. Cuttlefish (Ascarosepion latimanus), Flores Indonesia
    Common name: Broadclub Cuttlefish
    Scientific name: Ascarosepion latimanus
  7. Juvenile Papuan Cuttlefish hunting on coral reef (Ascarosepion papuense)
    Common name: Papuan Cuttlefish
    Scientific name: Ascarosepion papuense
  8. Flamboyant Cuttlefish (Ascarosepion pfefferi) with flamboyant colors
    Common name: Flamboyant Cuttlefish
    Scientific name: Ascarosepion pfefferi
  9. Incredible Underwater World - Starry Night Octopus (Callistoctopus luteus). Tulamben, Bali, Indonesia
    Common name: Starry Night Octopus
    Scientific name: Callistoctopus luteus
  10. Atlantic White-Spotted Octopus (Callistoctopus macropus) in the night
    Common name: Atlantic White-Spotted Octopus
    Scientific name: Callistoctopus macropus
  11. Berry's Bobtail Squid (Euprymna berryi) hunting in the night. Amazing underwater world of Tulamben, Bali, Indonesia
    Common name: Berry's Bobtail Squid
    Scientific name: Euprymna berryi
  12. Incredible Underwater World - Greater Blue-ringed Octopus (Hapalochlaena lunulata). Tulamben, Bali, Indonesia
    Common name: Greater Blue-ringed Octopus
    Scientific name: Hapalochlaena lunulata
  13. Southern Blue-ringed Octopus (Hapalochlaena maculosa)
    Common name: Southern Blue-ringed Octopus
    Scientific name: Hapalochlaena maculosa
  14. Two-toned Pygmy Squid (Ideosepius pygmaeus) is a species of bobtail squid native to the Indo-Pacific
    Common name: Two-toned Pygmy Squid
    Scientific name: Idiosepius pygmaeus
  15. Incredible underwater world - Chambered Nautilus (Nautilus pompilius) in Palau
    Common name: Chambered Nautilus
    Scientific name: Nautilus pompilius
  16. California Two-spot Octopus (Octopus bimaculatus)
    Common name: California Two-spot Octopus
    Scientific name: Octopus bimaculatus
  17. The Day Octopus
    Common name: Day Octopus
    Scientific name: Octopus cyanea
  18. Common Octopus (Octopus vulgaris) in the ocean with algae Bifurcaria bifurcata, Eastern Atlantic, Spain, Galicia
    Common name: Common Octopus
    Scientific name: Octopus vulgaris
  19. European Common Cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis), Cabo Cope Puntas del Calnegre Natural Park, Mediterranean Sea, Murcia, Spain, Europe
    Common name: Common Cuttlefish
    Scientific name: Sepia officinalis
  20. Bigfin Reef Squid (Sepioteuthis lessoniana)
    Common name: Bigfin Reef Squid
    Scientific name: Sepioteuthis lessoniana
  21. Mimic Octopus in Tulamben Indonesia
    Common name: Mimic Octopus
    Scientific name: Thaumoctopus mimicus
  22. Wunderpus Octopus (Wunderpus photogenicus)
    Common name: Wunderpus Octopus
    Scientific name: Wunderpus photogenicus