Sepia latimanus
Encounter Rate
Spotting Difficulty
Best Season
Year-round
Depth Range
1-30 meters
The broadclub cuttlefish is the largest cuttlefish species in Komodo's waters and one of the most mesmerising animals a diver can encounter. Reaching up to 50 centimetres in mantle length, these intelligent cephalopods are living light shows, capable of changing their colour, pattern, and skin texture in fractions of a second using millions of specialised pigment cells called chromatophores. In Komodo, broadclub cuttlefish are commonly found over sandy slopes, seagrass beds, and at the reef edge, where they use their remarkable camouflage abilities to ambush prey and communicate with other cuttlefish. Watching a broadclub cuttlefish hunt is unforgettable — it slowly approaches its prey while pulsing hypnotic waves of colour across its body, mesmerising the target before striking with lightning-fast tentacles. During mating season, males display spectacular shifting patterns to impress females and intimidate rivals. Their intelligence is remarkable, with demonstrated problem-solving abilities and short-term memory that rivals many vertebrates.
Average Size
25-40cm mantle length
Size Range
10-50cm mantle length
Maximum Size
50cm mantle length
Predator feeding on fish, crabs, shrimp, and other crustaceans. Mesmerises prey with hypnotic colour wave displays before striking with two long feeding tentacles at high speed.
The broadclub cuttlefish is the largest cuttlefish species in Komodo's waters and one of the most mesmerising animals a diver can encounter. Reaching up to 50 centimetres in mantle length, these intelligent cephalopods are living light shows, capable of changing their colour, pattern, and skin texture in fractions of a second using millions of specialised pigment cells called chromatophores. In Komodo, broadclub cuttlefish are commonly found over sandy slopes, seagrass beds, and at the reef edge, where they use their remarkable camouflage abilities to ambush prey and communicate with other cuttlefish. Watching a broadclub cuttlefish hunt is unforgettable — it slowly approaches its prey while pulsing hypnotic waves of colour across its body, mesmerising the target before striking with lightning-fast tentacles. During mating season, males display spectacular shifting patterns to impress females and intimidate rivals. Their intelligence is remarkable, with demonstrated problem-solving abilities and short-term memory that rivals many vertebrates.
This species plays an important role in the marine ecosystem of Komodo National Park. Responsible diving practices help protect these animals and their habitat for future generations.
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They are commonly found at sandy or rubble sites throughout the park. Wainilu, Secret Garden, Siaba Besar, and Sabolon Kecil are particularly good locations. Check sandy patches and seagrass beds at the reef edge.
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