Giant Cuttlefish

Follow the fascinating chameleon of the sea—a dazzling, hypnotic mystery that changes its appearance many times in order to survive and thrive.

Peering into the face of a giant cuttlefish is like gazing at a creature from another planet. Eight arms grow out of its head, two suckered feeding tentacles shoot out from pouches below its eyes, and a fearsome beak hooks its prey. In a blink, the giant cuttlefish changes the color and texture of its skin. Blending into its surroundings, the camouflaged fish evades predators, tricks prey, and throws rivals off-balance. With its otherworldly features, superior eyesight, and an ability to learn complex behavior, this remarkable cephalopod has survived for 500 million years. Elaine M. Alexander and illustrator Mike Orodán give readers a clear and close-up look at the smartest and largest of all mollusks, the rock star of the ocean, the chameleon of the sea: the giant cuttlefish. Back matter includes brief explorations into its life cycle, adaptations, hunting behavior, mating, and threats to survival, as well as a glossary and bibliography.