Scientific name: Sepia apama

The world’s largest cuttlefish is one of the more interesting sea creatures we encounter on our dives. Topping out at a shade over 10kg and approximately 50 cm in length once full grown, the Australian giant cuttlefish is known for its spectacular colour changes and friendly disposition.

Meet the friendly giant cuttlefish on our next Sydney dive

These odd looking invertebrates make for interesting diving companions. They’re active during the day and will be attracted to bright colours and may follow divers with lights for several minutes.

During the mating season, they will welcome touching by divers as they’ll likely associate a diver’s hands to the tentacles of potential mates. 

Join us for a great Sydney dive

Beyond cuttlefish, Sydney Dive Charters will take you on an epic voyage under the sea in and around Sydney Harbour. Check out our top Sydney shark diving spots to see what’s on offer!

Quick facts about the giant cuttlefish

• Giant cuttlefish have a short lifespan of two to four years. Many will die after the mass gatherings taking place during breeding season.
• Crabs, crustaceans and small fish are on the menu for these masters of camouflage.
• Not only can giant cuttlefish alter their appearance by raising parts of their skin to change colour, they can also mimic their environment (rocks, sand and seaweed) by contorting themselves to resemble the shape of their surroundings!
• Giant cuttlefish spawn from April to September (peak spawning occurs in May and June.)
• During breeding season, smaller males will imitate a female’s colours to sneak past their larger male rivals in the hopes of interacting with female cuttlefish.
• Female cuttlefish do not guard their eggs. They’ll leave them attached to the underside of rocks in caves to hatch in three to five months.
• As their eyes are quite large relative to their body shape, they are thought to communicate visually with their fellow cephalopods.