Whyalla Cuttlefish

MIGRATION
Every year between the months of May and September, thousands of Giant Australian Cuttlefish (Sepia apama) descend on the rocky coastline between Fitzgerald Bay and False Bay. These amazing ‘chameleons of the sea’ are one of the largest species of cuttlefish found in the world; and can reach up to 60 cm in length and can weigh up to 5kg.

The migration by these majestic creatures to these waters is for the sole purpose of spawning. During these months, the female attaches her eggs to the underside of the rocky ledges around the area. The male then fertilises these eggs, which hatch a couple of months later. The males can only reproduce once, and as with the females die not long after.

SWIMMING ABILITY
Cuttlefish are amazing creatures, possessing the ability to swim in different manners. When in danger, the cuttlefish suck water into their body cavity and expel it through a funnel like extension on the underside of the body, resulting in backward propulsion. This manoeuvre allows for escape from predators.
  
The other method of swimming involves gentle rippling by their side fins. This is the method of movement when there is no threat of danger. Cuttlefish also possess the ability to fill their cavities with small amounts of gas, allowing for altered buoyancy.
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CUTTLEFISH DIET
The staple diet of the Australian Giant Cuttlefish consists of crustaceans such as prawns and crabs and small fish such as reef fish and tommy roughs. The prey is caught by two powerful tentacles which shoot out from beneath the creatures eyes. The prey is then pulled toward the animal’s strong beak and crushed.

DEFENCE
The Giant Australian Cuttlefish shoots a cloud of black ink when threatened or attacked. The ink is not poisonous and acts solely as a decoy device, confusing the predator; allowing for a hasty escape. An alternate defence mechanism the cuttlefish possesses is its ability to camouflage itself by altering its colour, texture and shape to imitate seaweed, sand beds and rocky outcrops. This ‘chameleon’ ability also assists the creature in capturing its own prey.
FAST FACT  
  • Did you know that cuttlefish have blue blood?
  • Did you know that cuttlefish have three hearts?
  • Did you know that cuttlefish are considered to be highly intelligent animals that possess excellent touch, smell and visual abilities?
CONTACT
Tourism Eyre Peninsula
Tourism Development Officer
PO Box 804, Whyalla Norrie SA 5600
Phone: 8645 7811
Mobile: 0411 297 143
Email: wtdo@tep.com.au		 Accommodation & visitor information available from:
   Whyalla Visitor Information Centre
   Lincoln Highway (Port Augusta end)
   Ph: 8645 7900
   1800 088 589
Whyalla Diving Adventures:
Shayne Grant
Address: Shop 4, Jenkins Ave,
Whyalla Norrie SA 5608
Mobile: 0418804421
email: shayne@whyalladivingadventures.com
web: www.whyalladivingadventures.com		 Links:
Whyalla City Council
www.whyalla.com
Accommodation in Whyalla