Pharaoh Cuttlefish (Sepia pharaonis): The Hypnotic Hunter
Closely related to squid, the Pharaoh Cuttlefish is another cephalopod you might be lucky enough to encounter in the sandy parts of the bays.
What makes them so captivating is their ability to display pulsating patterns of light and colours across their skin. They hunt their prey (often small fish and crustaceans) before grabbing them with their quick, retractable tentacles.
Squid: Masters of Camouflage and Communication
Imagine gliding over the reef and suddenly a shimmering, iridescent shape appears, then vanishes in a blink. That’s often one or more squid!
These intelligent cephalopods are true chameleons of the sea, able to change their skin and texture in milliseconds to blend in with their surroundings or communicate with other members of the species.
If they are there, you will often find them hovering over the sandy bottom, near buoys and ropes.
I have found them in Abu Dabab bay for example.
