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Reaper Cuttlefish

Sepia mestus

The Reaper Cuttlefish (Sepia mestus, or the Red Cuttlefish,) is a species of cuttlefish that is known for its distinctive appearance and unique characteristics. It has a soft, cylindrical body that is covered in a layer of protective skin called the cuticle. 

This red cuttlefish has a series of fins that run along the length of its body, allowing it to move through the water with ease. The species is typically around 30 cm (12 in) in length, although some individuals can reach up to 40 cm (16 in) in length.


The Reaper Cuttlefish can be found in the waters of the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from the Red Sea to the Pacific Ocean. They typically live in shallow waters near the coast, where they can be found in rocky or sandy habitats. 

They prefer areas with abundant food sources and good water quality, and are often found near coral reefs and seagrass beds.


The Reaper Cuttlefish is a carnivorous species that feeds on a variety of prey, including small fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. 

They use their long, extendable tentacles to capture their prey, and then use their sharp beak to break the prey into smaller pieces that can be easily consumed. They are opportunistic feeders, and will feed on whatever prey is available in their environment.


The Reaper Cuttlefish is a solitary species that is known for its unique behavior. It uses a variety of techniques to communicate with other cuttlefish, including body postures, color changes, and patterns on its skin.

 It is also known for its ability to change color quickly, which allows it to blend in with its surroundings and avoid predators. The species is also known for its ability to swim quickly and change direction quickly, making it a formidable predator in its environment.

The Reaper Cuttlefish is a species of cuttlefish that belongs to the family Sepiidae. It is one of over 100 species of cuttlefish that are found throughout the world’s oceans. 

The species was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758, and is considered to be one of the most well-known species of cuttlefish.

The Reaper Cuttlefish is not considered to be a threatened species, and its populations are considered to be stable. However, like many species in the ocean, it is vulnerable to habitat loss, overfishing, and the impacts of climate change.

Reaper Cuttlefish Graphic
"Red (or reaper) cuttle 1 - Sepia mestus" by Marine Explorer is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.
Reaper (Red) Cuttlefish Clickable
By John Turnbull - https://www.flickr.com/photos/johnwturnbull/29761027686/, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org
"Red cuttle - Sepia mestus" by Marine Explorer is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.
Red or Reaper Cuttlefish Photo
"Red (or reaper) cuttle 1 - Sepia mestus" by Marine Explorer is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.