Pharaoh cuttlefish (Sepia pharaonis) courting. The female (right) is being courted by the male (left). The cuttlefish can instantly modify its skin colouring and pattern. This behaviour is used during courtship,to communicate and to confuse predators and prey. This camouflaging is possible as the skin contains colour cells or chromatophores. Changing their size darkens or lightens the skin,producing an almost infinite range of colours and patterns. It feeds on shrimp and prawns using two tentacles,which are hidden among its eight arms (not seen). Photographed in the Andaman Sea,Thailand | |
Licence : | Droits gérés |
Crédit: | Science Photo Library / Douwma, Georgette |
Taille de l’image : | 4528 px × 3100 px |
Model Release : | Non requis |
Property Release : | Non requis |
Restrictions : | - |