This is about cuttlefish, the brightest photo. The animal is able to reproduce literally in a second in its body all the colors of the rainbow and glows amazingly in the dark. Her ability to disguise herself as anything is a gift from God.
(Photo cuttlefish No. 1.1)
(Photo cuttlefish No. 1.2)
(Photo cuttlefish No. 1.3)
What color is cuttlefish ink? Unlike octopuses, they are not black, but brown! The ink fluid of the marine animal you see in the photo is an excellent dye and flavoring seasoning and even a medicine.
(Photo cuttlefish No. 2.1)
In the cuttlefish in the photo, the body, like a jet engine, sucks into itself sea water, and then with a sharp movement throws it away. The shell of a sea mollusk has chambers for air to fill up if you need to rise to the surface, or empty them to sink to the bottom.
(Photo cuttlefish No. 3.1)
(Photo cuttlefish No. 3.2)
Sepia cuttlefish is one of the best seafood delicacies, look at the pictures. The meat is the most tender and extremely healthy, and the ink in the seasoning is the best dye and flavoring marine additive.
(Photo cuttlefish No. 4.1)
You have never seen such a photo. The largest cuttlefish in the world is the giant Australian sepia 1.5 meters weighing up to 10 kg. Sweet beautiful monster!
(Photo cuttlefish No. 5.1)
(Photo cuttlefish No. 5.2)
Is there blue-green blood? In cuttlefish - yes, because it contains a green pigment, the blood of a mollusk is worse than human.
(Photo cuttlefish No. 6.1)
(Photo cuttlefish No. 6.2)
Some of sea cuttlefish terribly poisonous, occupy the 7th place of their ten most poisonous animals on earth. Here is a photo of a painted and striped cuttlefish - a beauty.
(Photo cuttlefish No. 7.1)
(Photo cuttlefish No. 7.2)
(Photo cuttlefish No. 7.3)
Take a look at the photo of the cuttlefish eye. It is unique in its complexity of structure and is similar to the human eye: it has a lens, ciliary muscles and an iris. sea clam very keen.
(Photo cuttlefish No. 8.1)
How is a cuttlefish similar to a turtle? She has a unique hollow shell that protects her and helps her to descend or rise to different water levels. The bone of this cover is used to feed canaries, in Chinese medicine and in jewelry.
(Photo cuttlefish No. 9.1)
(Photo cuttlefish No. 9.2)
The cuttlefish belongs to the class of cephalopods, that is, its legs (tentacles) grow from the head (photo - witness), and are skillfully used in its meal for cutting meat.
(Photo cuttlefish No. 10.1)
(Photo cuttlefish No. 10.2)
(Photo cuttlefish No. 10.3)
The sea cuttlefish has a huge heart potential: as many as 3 hearts. One carries the green blood around the body of the mollusk, while the other two pump the blood to the gills.
(Photo cuttlefish No. 11.1)
Cuttlefish stalking prey
(Photo cuttlefish No. 11.2)
A cuttlefish has babies once in a lifetime and dies soon after, barely reaching 2 years old. Photo of cuttlefish eggs in black or white, similar to a bunch of grapes, attached to vegetation.
(Photo cuttlefish No. 12.1)
(Photo cuttlefish No. 12.2)
(Photo cuttlefish No. 12.3)
Mollusks have been known to mankind since time immemorial, but many people still associate them with formless substances. What does a cuttlefish really look like, where does it live and what does it eat?
Appearance
The cuttlefish is a member of the cephalopod order, which includes squid and octopuses. The structure of her body is oval, slightly flattened. The main part is the mantle, which is a bag of muscles and skin.
The role of the skeleton is performed by a wide calcareous shell. It is located inside the body of the cephalopod and protects the vital organs from damage. The plates in the shell have cavities, due to which the weight of the mollusks decreases, they swim freely. The shape of the fins is fused - it seems that the body is bordered by one continuous fin.
Males and females of sea cuttlefish in the pictures look almost the same - they are distinguished by patterns on the body, and even then not always. Males use the ability of the skin to change color and disguise themselves as representatives of the opposite sex.
The eyes of cephalopods are large and slit-like. Under them are special pockets in which trapping tentacles are hidden. Representatives sea world they are released only during the attack, and the prey is crushed by a beak hidden between the tentacles. At rest, the beak is not visible.
The cuttlefish has 10 legs - 2 long traps with suckers at the ends and 8 short ones. On short tentacles, suckers are arranged in 4 rows.
Ink
The ink sac is a special organ. It produces ink in much greater quantities than other members of the cephalopod order. Structurally, it looks like a capsule divided into two compartments. In one compartment there are cells filled with grains from dyes. Mature cells burst - ink flows out and accumulates in the second chamber. An empty bag needs 30-40 minutes to recover.
Invertebrate ink is valued not only in cooking - it is used as the basis for expensive sepia paint. Sepia written many masterpieces of past centuries.
Individuals are afraid of rustles, people, movements. Over time, they get used to the person, show curiosity, swimming closer and looking at him. But when frightened, they release ink into the water - this is one of the reasons for the problematic maintenance of mollusks in home aquariums. Colored water becomes opaque, dark.
Dimensions
Against the background of the rest of the class, they seem small:
- The usual size is 20-30 cm.
- The smallest - 2 cm, a world record among molluscs.
- The largest measured cuttlefish is 1.5 m. Its weight reaches 10 kg.
Coloring
It is immediately difficult to determine what color a cuttlefish is - it, like octopuses, changes it. In the skin of invertebrates there are special cells - chromatophores. They are filled with multi-colored pigment.
The brain controls these cells by sending them signals. Smart individuals change shades instantly - it seems that the process occurs automatically. In fact, tentacled chameleons do this deliberately - for camouflage, before an attack, during the breeding season.
Environment and habitat features
The habitat of invertebrates is shallow water in the tropics and subtropics off the coast of Eurasia and Africa. They dive shallowly, trying to move along the coast. The detachments live in one place, but sometimes migrate - a few years ago, scientists discovered a striped specimen off the coast of Australia.
At the sight of prey, cuttlefish freeze for a moment, and then abruptly and with lightning speed pounce on the victim.
Representatives of this class are illegible in food - they eat fish, shrimp, and other marine life that are smaller than their size. Their weaker relative can become a victim.
reproduction
The average lifespan of a cuttlefish is up to 2 years. During this time they reproduce once. AT mating season mollusks are removed from their place in search of a comfortable place for laying eggs. As soon as the female lays them, she dies.
Eggs will hatch into well-formed fry with ink and a developed instinct for self-preservation. Sensing danger, they, like adult males, lie down on the bottom and try to cover themselves with sand.
- Cuttlefish have 3 hearts. Two supply blood to the gills, the third - to the rest of the organs.
- Their blood is blue-green blood, which is explained by the presence of hemocyanin protein in its composition.
- Invertebrates see what is happening behind them.
They are hunted by stingrays, sharks, other marine predators and humans. The latter like the delicate and delicate taste of seafood, which is highly valued in Asian and Mediterranean cuisine.
The ink is used as a natural dye and food additive. It is a powerful natural antioxidant and a source of iron. Their balanced composition helps with headaches, colds, bronchitis, herpes, insomnia, and some vascular diseases.
Cuttlefish is a mollusk belonging to the class of cephalopods. In the concept of people, it is associated with something nondescript and shapeless. In fact, cuttlefish are very beautiful.
Appearance of animals
The cuttlefish has an oval, slightly flattened body. The mantle (skin-muscular sac) forms its main part. The inner shell plays the role of a skeleton, and this distinguishing feature characteristic only of cuttlefish. It consists of a plate with internal cavities that provide buoyancy to the cuttlefish. The shell is located inside the body and protects the internal organs.
The head and body of the mollusk are fused. The cuttlefish's eyes are very large and can zoom in, with the pupil controlling the light intensity. On the head of the cuttlefish there is something similar to a beak, with which the mollusk extracts and crushes food. And also, like numerous cephalopods, the cuttlefish has an ink pouch. This is a special organ, which is a dense capsule, divided into two parts. In one part there are ready-made ink, and in the other - special cells saturated with special grains with paint. During maturation, the cells are destroyed and ink is formed. The ink sac produces a huge amount of ink. An empty bag is restored in an average of half an hour.
The most famous types:
- pharaonic;
- crucifying (the most beautiful and poisonous);
- wide-armed (largest);
- striped (very poisonous).
The mollusc has eight tentacles and two anterior feelers. On each of them are small suction cups. The front tentacles are hidden in pockets under the eyes and are used in attacks on prey. Elongated fins are located on the sides of the body and help cuttlefish when moving.
Description of cuttlefish, coloring
A characteristic feature of these mollusks is the ability to change the color of their body. The color of cuttlefish is unusually diverse. This is possible thanks to skin chromatophore cells. The color change of the body occurs consciously, the chromatophores obey the brain. This process occurs instantly, and the impression is formed that everything happens automatically. Cuttlefish cells are filled with special pigments of different colors.
In terms of the variety of colors, the complexity of the pattern and the speed of color change, the mollusk has no equal. Certain types of cuttlefish are able to luminesce. Color changes are applied when masking. patterns different forms carry certain information for relatives. The cuttlefish is one of the most intelligent species of invertebrates.
Shellfish sizes
Cuttlefish are relatively small compared to other cephalopods. The broad-armed sepia is the largest of the cuttlefish. Together with the tentacles, the body length is 1.5 m, and the weight is about 10 kg. However, most individuals are smaller, their length is no more than 20-30 cm. And there are also several types of completely small size- up to 2 cm, which are considered the smallest cephalopods in the world.
area
Where does the cuttlefish live? And it lives only in shallow water, in tropical and subtropical seas that wash the shores of Africa and Eurasia. However, the striped cuttlefish has also been found off the coast of Australia. Mollusks prefer to live alone, occasionally in small groups, and only during the breeding season do large clusters of cuttlefish form. During the mating season, they can move around, but, as a rule, lead a settled life.
Mollusks swim shallowly, adhere to the coastline. Seeing the prey, the cuttlefish freeze for a second, and then quickly overtake the victim. When danger arises, the molluscs lie on the bottom and try to cover themselves with sand with their fins. Cuttlefish is a very cautious and shy mollusk.
Cuttlefish nutrition
From time to time, large individuals are able to eat smaller counterparts. This is not due to an aggressive nature, but to a greater extent due to food promiscuity.
Shellfish eat almost everything that moves and does not exceed their own size. They feed on fish, crabs, shrimp, shellfish. The cuttlefish blows a stream of water out of the siphon into the sand, thereby it rises, and at this time the mollusk swallows small living creatures, and cuts the larger one with its beak. It will not be difficult for a cuttlefish to bite through the shell of a crab or the skull of a small fish.
reproduction
The cuttlefish is an animal that only breeds once. Mollusks migrate to comfortable places for laying eggs, forming flocks of several thousand individuals along the way. Communication occurs by changing the color of the body. With mutual sympathy, both mollusks glow bright colors. Cuttlefish eggs are mostly black and resemble grapes. After laying eggs, adult cuttlefish die. Cephalopods are born already formed. From birth, little cuttlefish are able to use ink. Cuttlefish live on average 1-2 years.
Nutritional value of shellfish meat
Cuttlefish is a source of excellent meat, which contains valuable unsaturated acids - eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids, which protect against many diseases of the cardiovascular system. And also these elements reduce the level of triglycerides in the blood, prevent the formation of blood clots and blockage of the arteries.
Cuttlefish meat contains vitamins B2, B12, A, nicotine and folic acid. In addition, shellfish meat is rich in minerals. In addition to useful substances, meat contains impurities such as cadmium and mercury. Nutritionists recommend eating no more than two servings per week.
Useful properties of ink
- Improve mood and fight emotional problems.
- Help in the treatment of diseases of a reproductive nature.
- Eliminate the symptoms of digestive disorders.
- Help in the treatment of skin diseases.
In ancient times, ink liquid was used for writing. Cuttlefish ink is part of medicines. This substance has a calming effect.
The ink is used in the production of food colorings and seasonings. They give dishes a special black color and excellent salty taste. Ready-to-use inks are sold in stores. And also on the basis of ink, sauces are made, which are distinguished by a bright and unique taste. Cuttlefish ink contains elements that help metabolism and have anti-inflammatory effects.
Interesting facts about cephalopods
- The cuttlefish has three hearts. Two hearts are used to pump blood to the gills, while the third is used to circulate oxygenated blood to the rest of the body.
- Cuttlefish have a protein called hemocyanin in their blood, which is used to carry oxygen. Therefore, her blood is blue-green in color.
- The cuttlefish is a mollusk that can imitate the shape and texture of surrounding objects. The mollusk changes its color by expanding or retracting small tubercles located throughout the body, due to which it practically merges with sand, cobblestones and other surfaces.
- Males, in order to take care of the female and not attract the attention of others, repaint in an interesting camouflage. They paint one half of the body with colorful paint, and the other is disguised as females, imitating muted tones.
- Cuttlefish see well in low light conditions, as well as what is behind them.
- Cuttlefish are able to imitate the dynamic movements of algae through their body in order to become inconspicuous. Or arrange a color show to catch prey.
- Mollusks skillfully defend themselves from enemies, but the relatively low rate of movement makes them vulnerable to pursuers: dolphins, sharks.
The cuttlefish is also an interesting object for aquarists. However, keeping them is not easy due to the fact that the molluscs are very shy, often releasing ink into the water, and it becomes opaque. After a certain amount of time, the cuttlefish gets used to the owner and stops being afraid of him.
Sea chameleon - this is another name for cuttlefish. And this name was not given to the mollusk by chance. Within 1-2 seconds, she is able to change her color to almost any color, moreover, with any pattern. But for a person, it is not at all useful for this.
What is cuttlefish
Cuttlefish is a type of cephalopod mollusk, that is, it belongs to the same family as. Moreover, it is the oldest representative of this family. Unlike other representatives of cephalopods, there is a lamellar shell inside the cuttlefish on the dorsal part of the carcass. On each of its ten tentacles is located in rows a large number of suckers that help the mollusk capture its prey. Sea chameleons feed on small fish and crustaceans. Go hunting preferably in dark time days.
This mollusc is commonly found in tropical and subtropical waters. Cuttlefish - prefer shallow water in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. You can often see these creatures along the coasts. South Africa, Japan and Australia. Experts talk about the existence of over 100 varieties of cuttlefish. The most famous and most numerous among them is the pharaoh's sepia, which is found in the north of the Indian Ocean.
The cuttlefish is one of the most colorful creatures that inhabit the waters of the ocean. Several colors are combined on her body at once: brown on the dorsal part, light colors on the abdomen, greenish on the tentacles, purple on the fins. But depending on the environment, the color of the mollusk can vary significantly.
Sea chameleons almost never grow larger than 50 cm, but they can weigh more than 10 kilograms. Although there are also very small representatives - no more than 2 cm.
Defending itself from enemies, this mollusk releases a dark-colored substance called ink. This brown liquid creates an impenetrable curtain in the water, allowing the cuttlefish to hide. By the way, this substance has been used by man since ancient times as paint or ink for writing.
Cuttlefish meat is a traditional component of Mediterranean and Asian cuisines. It tastes like squid or octopus, but more tender. It is rich in nutrients, but compared to other marine inhabitants the body of a sea chameleon is more prone to absorb harmful substances from the water.
Chemical composition and nutritional value
Cuttlefish is an excellent source of protein, essential amino acids and minerals. 100 g of raw product contains no more than 80 kilocalories (boiled - about 160 kcal) and almost a quarter of daily allowance sodium.
Clam meat is a delicacy that contains almost no carbohydrates and fats. But despite the extremely low proportion of fat in chemical composition, this product contains an impressive amount of essential fatty acids, in particular eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids. Thanks to this, cuttlefish is considered a product that is useful for the heart and blood vessels, in particular for the prevention of arrhythmias, clogged arteries, and high blood pressure.
Protein
As already mentioned, cuttlefish is a product that is extremely rich in proteins. 100 grams of meat contains almost 55 percent of the daily protein requirement. And this suggests that the seafood is an excellent source, necessary for the restoration and formation of cells. In the meat of this clam different quantities contains all 9 essential amino acids.
vitamins
Just one serving of cuttlefish has more than 190% of the daily value of vitamin B12. This unique vitamin is indispensable for humans, as it is necessary for the creation of DNA cells, red blood cells, and also supports neurological health. In addition, the sea chameleon is a real storehouse of vitamin B2 (contains more than 100% of the daily value), which is responsible for the health of the skin and eyes, and also contributes to proper metabolism. Almost a quarter of your daily vitamin A intake can also be obtained from just a 100-gram serving of cuttlefish meat. And this nutrient is the main substance responsible for vision. In addition, sufficient intake of vitamin A is the health of the skin, mucous membranes, bones and teeth. With antioxidant properties, this vitamin found in seafood prevents heart disease, cell mutation, and repairs damage caused by free radicals.
Minerals
Seafood is an excellent choice for replenishing minerals in the body. A serving of cuttlefish contains almost 140% of the daily intake of selenium. This mineral, entering the body, as a result of certain chemical reactions combines with proteins, forming selenoproteins - substances with powerful antioxidant abilities. Selenium, among other things, has essential for thyroid health and strengthening the immune system.
Another important mineral, contained in cuttlefish meat in large quantities, is iron. This suggests that eating seafood can improve oxygen circulation in the body, as well as support healthy cell growth.
Cholesterol
And the only minus of cuttlefish meat is cholesterol. A serving of this product contains almost 63% of the daily cholesterol requirement. But we must recall that cholesterol in food is not always a bad thing. This substance is necessary for the body to maintain healthy skin, regulate hormonal levels, develop digestive and synthesize. However, excessive consumption of cholesterol-rich foods can lead to fatty deposits in the arteries, which in turn impair blood flow to the heart and brain, causing heart attacks or strokes.
| 158 kcal | |
| 32.48 g | |
| 1.4 g | |
| 1.4 g | |
| 61.12 g | |
| 224 mg | |
| 0.11 mg | |
| 8.5 mg | |
| 0.017 mg | |
| 1.73 mg | |
| 2.19 mg | |
| 0.9 mg | |
| 0.27 mg | |
| 24 mcg | |
| 5.4 mcg | |
| 180 mg | |
| 10.84 mg | |
| 60 mg | |
| 580 mg | |
| 637 mg | |
| 744 mg | |
| 3.46 mg | |
| 0.998 mg | |
| 0.209 mg | |
| 89.6 mcg |
Benefits for the body
Like all seafood, cuttlefish is an excellent source of protein. Due to this, the consumption of shellfish in moderate portions has a good effect on the condition of muscles, hair, nails, skin, and improves the overall functioning of the body. But the useful properties of the product do not end there.
It is useful to include cuttlefish in your diet for people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. And all because this product is rich in selenium. As studies show, it is this substance that is most often lacking in the bodies of people with symptoms of the disease, and the restoration of mineral balance improves their well-being.
Another useful property cuttlefish - reduce the frequency and duration of migraines. This ability of the seafood is explained by the presence of vitamin B2, which is abundant in cuttlefish meat.
Due to the high concentration of phosphorus (which is not inferior to fish and shrimp in these indicators), cuttlefish are useful for strengthening bones and teeth.
This seafood is also named in the list of useful for preventing strokes and heart attacks. Vitamin B12, found in cuttlefish, reduces homocysteine levels, which is actually a factor that increases the risk of these diseases.
Cuttlefish, as a source of vitamin B3, are also useful for regulating blood sugar levels. And thanks to the presence of zinc, this seafood is important for strengthening the immune system.
Other Benefits of Cuttlefish Meat:
- removes toxins;
- improves metabolism;
- regulates pressure;
- improves blood circulation;
- accelerates fat metabolism;
- contributes more rapid healing wounds;
- accelerates hair growth;
- contributes to the proper functioning of brain cells;
- stabilizes the work of the cardiosystem;
- strengthens the immune system.
Useful properties of ink
Cuttlefish ink is often referred to as a superfood. As a result of several studies, it was found that this dark liquid contains many useful for the cardiovascular system. In addition, the ink is a good source of iron, which makes this product useful for increasing hemoglobin, improving oxygen circulation.
Cuttlefish ink is useful for the treatment of:
- venous congestion;
- constipation;
- biliary tract dispersions;
- migraine;
- bronchitis;
- eczema;
- hemorrhoids;
- disorders of the nervous system;
- ovarian dysfunction;
- vegetovascular dystonia;
- insomnia.
Useful properties of cuttlefish bone
The inner shell of the cuttlefish also has some beneficial properties for humans. This bone is a porous, pumice-like plate. It is used in Chinese medicine to treat stomach and duodenal ulcers, as well as to stop bleeding, relieve asthma.
Crushed bone is added to medicines to normalize the acidity of the stomach and heal ulcers. In dentistry, this material is used to stop bleeding after tooth extraction. There is also reason to believe that this material can be used in traumatology, in particular for the treatment of bone diseases.
How to cook
The smaller the cuttlefish, the more tender its meat. Small cuttlefish are considered the most delicious. Clams up to 300 g are well stewed and added to second courses. But small ones are especially valued - up to 20 g. Salads, snacks, small kebabs are prepared from them, and they are also added to pizza. Cuttlefish can be fried, stewed, baked, grilled, added to soups or stews. Fried clams are often served as an appetizer, added to salads or pasta. In Mediterranean cuisine, boiled cuttlefish are seasoned olive oil or deep-fried, and the ink of this shellfish is used for sauces, pasta dishes or risotto. But in Japan and China, this delicacy can be fried, baked, dried and even marinated. But giving preference to fried seafood, one must be prepared for the fact that its calorie content, as well as the presence of cholesterol, will increase significantly.
Sea chameleons are a product that is important to cut and cook properly. Inside each mollusk contains a sac filled with a dark liquid. It is often used in cooking, to add color to sauces or. But if you inadvertently pierce this bag, the ink will stain the carcass. Properly cooked clam stays white color, and tastes like octopus or squid meat with a nutty flavor. Boil cuttlefish for about half an hour over low heat. There are some secrets in frying cuttlefish: first with the tentacles up, then turn over.
If you have to cook frozen cuttlefish, then you should first defrost it properly. For this, the mollusk is poured cold water. After complete defrosting, you can begin to cleanse. First, the bone, eyes, mouth and entrails are cut out. The silver ink bag is then carefully peeled off. You can either throw it away or use the brown liquid it contains to make spaghetti, risotto, or any other dish. The cleaned cuttlefish carcass is washed under running water and cooked in the chosen way.
Seafood is one of the healthiest food categories. Shellfish, including cuttlefish, are a source of many useful components. In addition, a person can get some of them exclusively from seafood.
Niramin - Dec 12th, 2016
Cuttlefish lives mainly in shallow waters in the tropical and subtropical seas of the Eastern Hemisphere. A huge number of these representatives of cephalopods is found in the Mediterranean Sea, where there are about 100 species.
The cuttlefish looks like a squid, at the same time resembling a stingray and an octopus. She has a flattened body with a border of fins on the sides and ten short tentacles with suction cups, which the animal can draw into special containers located on its head. With the help of tentacles, the cuttlefish hunts, throwing them out and sticking to the victim.
This marine creature is able to move with the help of fins, and also uses a jet method, thanks to the presence of a jet funnel.
Cuttlefish are distinguished by their developed nervous system and excellent eyesight. In addition, this representative of the cephalopods has numerous light-sensitive cells located on the surface of the body. Thanks to these cells, the cuttlefish is able to perfectly disguise itself in environment and change your color literally in 1-2 seconds. In the event of a particular danger, it quickly swims away, leaving behind a dense cloud of ink.
Disguised, the cuttlefish hides from enemies, and at the same time quietly lies in wait for prey. Throwing sand on himself with the help of fins, this master of disguise lays down on the bottom, taking on its color and shape, and small Marine life risk getting caught in its tenacious tentacles. The cuttlefish is not always passively waiting for its prey. Using her jet funnel, she swims slowly and erodes the bottom silt and sand, under which prey hides. In some cases, hunger makes this unhurried inhabitant of shallow water even chase after its prey.
The cuttlefish feeds on small inhabitants of the sea: shrimps, crustaceans, small fish, mollusks. Thanks to the taste buds located on the tentacles, the cuttlefish first tastes its dish, determining whether it meets its gastronomic needs.
It is interesting that for many centuries mankind has used cuttlefish ink for writing and drawing.
Photo: Cuttlefish shoots an ink bomb. 
Photo: Painted cuttlefish is poisonous. 
Photo: Australian giant cuttlefish. 
Video: Cuttlefish (lat. Sepiida)
Video: Cuttlefish - universal spy - octopus.
Video: mating games cuttlefish.wmv
Video: Cuttlefish. in the SEA AQUARIUM on Chistye Prudy