Flamboyant Cuttlefish definitely live up to their name ! When spooked or disturbed, their body changes through a range of colours to ward off any predators. These amazing creatures have 8 broad, sword like arms, with four rows of suckers. One of the left ventral arms is adapted (called the hectocotylus) and is used for fertilization. Similar to a squid, these cuttlefish have two tentacles inside their arms which are used for capturing prey. These ends are called tentacle clubs which have flat surfaces with 5-6 suckers, 3-4 of which are relatively large and are located in the centre of the clubs. These creatures are active during the day, on the hunt for small fish and crustaceans. Can be kept in a reef aquarium but not with fish or other cuttlefish as they will get eaten. 'Clean-up crew' creatures such as Hermit Crabs, snails, and Bristle worms will not get eaten by the Flamboyant Cuttlefish and will mop up any uneaten food. Alternatively, an 'open' set up using Miracle Mud or fine coral sand will also work too. Provide basic marine/reef lighting, with a good filter system and protein skimmer.
Common name(s): Flamboyant Cuttlefish.
Scientific name: Metasepia pfefferi
Family: Sepiidae
Colour:
• Base colour brown, changing colour when disturbed, through a rippling pattern of black, dark brown, and white, with yellow bits around the mantle, arms, and eyes with the arm tips displaying bright red.
• This behaviour advertises the poisonous nature of the Flamboyant Cuttlefish (currently the only known poisonous cuttlefish to do this).
Native habitat: Indo-Pacific region.
Maximum size (approx.):
• 6-8cm
Minimum aquarium size:
• 100cm long.
• 180 litres.
Degree of difficulty to keep:
• For advanced aquarists.
Temperament:
• aggressive
Temperature:
• 25°c
Water parameters:
• pH: 8.1-8.4
• kH: 8-12°dKH
• Specific gravity: 1.024-1.025.
• Nitrate: 0
• Phosphate: 0
• Ammonia: 0
• Nitrite: 0
Lighting:
• Moderate levels required.
Circulation:
• Medium.
Filtration:
• Good mechanical and biological filtration is important, must include carbon media and a protein skimmer.
Substrate:
• Fine coral and or Miracle Mud.
Feeding:
• Carnivorous.
• Live Brine shrimp, Mysis, and other similar foods.
Cohabitation:
• Keep singly.
• Hermit Crabs, snails, & bristle worms in moderate numbers.
• Suitable for reef aquariums but caution must be exercised.
Other tips and information:
• Test water regularly.
• Water changes, 15-20% every 2 weeks.
• Good biological filtration, efficient protein skimming, and activated carbon are all vital.
• Maintaining good water quality is of the highest importance.
Scientific name: Metasepia pfefferi
Family: Sepiidae
Colour:
• Base colour brown, changing colour when disturbed, through a rippling pattern of black, dark brown, and white, with yellow bits around the mantle, arms, and eyes with the arm tips displaying bright red.
• This behaviour advertises the poisonous nature of the Flamboyant Cuttlefish (currently the only known poisonous cuttlefish to do this).
Native habitat: Indo-Pacific region.
Maximum size (approx.):
• 6-8cm
Minimum aquarium size:
• 100cm long.
• 180 litres.
Degree of difficulty to keep:
• For advanced aquarists.
Temperament:
• aggressive
Temperature:
• 25°c
Water parameters:
• pH: 8.1-8.4
• kH: 8-12°dKH
• Specific gravity: 1.024-1.025.
• Nitrate: 0
• Phosphate: 0
• Ammonia: 0
• Nitrite: 0
Lighting:
• Moderate levels required.
Circulation:
• Medium.
Filtration:
• Good mechanical and biological filtration is important, must include carbon media and a protein skimmer.
Substrate:
• Fine coral and or Miracle Mud.
Feeding:
• Carnivorous.
• Live Brine shrimp, Mysis, and other similar foods.
Cohabitation:
• Keep singly.
• Hermit Crabs, snails, & bristle worms in moderate numbers.
• Suitable for reef aquariums but caution must be exercised.
Other tips and information:
• Test water regularly.
• Water changes, 15-20% every 2 weeks.
• Good biological filtration, efficient protein skimming, and activated carbon are all vital.
• Maintaining good water quality is of the highest importance.
