Cuttlefish are a highly evolved species that have had to adapt through natural selection to best survive in their environments, and reproduce successful offspring. Cuttlefish derive from the phylum mollusca, meaning at some point, several phylogenetic deviations occurred that separated cuttlefish from squids, octopi and other nautiloids. 

 

Male cuttlefish have also found an interesting method of evasion from competing with other males for a female’s attention. Some male cuttlefish will use their (sometimes) small size to their advantage and mask themselves to appear as a female. The male cuttlefish is able to do this through their chromatophores and papillae in their skin and muscles. A competing male wouldn't suspect a difference and will let their attention span elsewhere, rather than the female they are guarding. The camouflage male cuttlefish then uses this opportunity to secretly mate with the female right under the “nose” of the larger male. 

 

Mechanical adaptations, such as utilizing two medial tentacles for hunting and capturing prey are another unique adaptation that these cephalopods have made. Adaptations were essential in the modification of mating rituals, competition, hunting, and defensive camouflage. Cuttlefish have evolved to determine the depth of objects, coloration, and texture, and this is an ability that is quite unique to the species.  

 

The topic of different forms of camouflage, and the physiological basis behind it are explained in this section.