Metasepia pfefferi
Encounter Rate
Spotting Difficulty
Best Season
Year-round
Depth Range
3-25 meters
The flamboyant cuttlefish is one of the most extraordinary and sought-after critters in Komodo's rich macro diving world. This small cuttlefish, rarely exceeding 8 centimetres in mantle length, is unique among cephalopods for several reasons: it walks along the sea floor rather than swimming, its flesh is toxic and unpalatable to predators, and it produces a continuous psychedelic display of pulsing purple, red, white, and yellow waves across its body — a warning signal that it is not to be eaten. The flamboyant cuttlefish is the only cuttlefish species known to be toxic, producing compounds similar to the deadly tetrodotoxin found in blue-ringed octopuses. Its walking behaviour is necessitated by a small, dense cuttlebone that provides insufficient buoyancy for sustained swimming. In Komodo, they are found at muck and sandy macro sites, particularly in the south of the park, where they stalk small shrimp and fish along the bottom with mesmerising colour displays rippling across their bodies.
Average Size
4-6cm mantle length
Size Range
2-8cm mantle length
Maximum Size
8cm mantle length
Feeds on small shrimp, crabs, and fish. Stalks prey across the sandy bottom and strikes with two feeding tentacles that shoot out at high speed to capture victims.
The flamboyant cuttlefish is one of the most extraordinary and sought-after critters in Komodo's rich macro diving world. This small cuttlefish, rarely exceeding 8 centimetres in mantle length, is unique among cephalopods for several reasons: it walks along the sea floor rather than swimming, its flesh is toxic and unpalatable to predators, and it produces a continuous psychedelic display of pulsing purple, red, white, and yellow waves across its body — a warning signal that it is not to be eaten. The flamboyant cuttlefish is the only cuttlefish species known to be toxic, producing compounds similar to the deadly tetrodotoxin found in blue-ringed octopuses. Its walking behaviour is necessitated by a small, dense cuttlebone that provides insufficient buoyancy for sustained swimming. In Komodo, they are found at muck and sandy macro sites, particularly in the south of the park, where they stalk small shrimp and fish along the bottom with mesmerising colour displays rippling across their bodies.
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 most reliably found at sandy macro sites in the south of the park. Wainilu, Torpedo Alley, and areas around Nusa Kode are the best options. Sightings are uncommon and always exciting.
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