Marine Life . 3 species

CephalopodsMasters of camouflage and intelligence.

Octopuses, cuttlefish, and reef squid are some of the most intelligent invertebrates on Earth. Excellent on shore dives and house reefs - especially at night.

Red Sea reef life

3Species in this group

BestYear-round (peak displays in spring)

Where5 dive sites

About cephalopods

Cephalopods change colour, shape, and texture in milliseconds. Octopuses emerge to hunt at night. Cuttlefish hover above the reef in spring during mating.

The species

Every cephalopod you can meet in Marsa Alam.

Day Octopus (Octopus cyanea)

Very common

Day Octopus

Octopus cyanea

Master of disguise - changes colour and texture instantly. Curious and intelligent.

Did you know? Octopuses have nine brains - one central, plus a small one in each arm.

Size: 80 cm arm span
Diet: Crabs, mollusks, fish
Season: Year-round

Best places to see one

Marsa Shouna Marsa Egla Abu Dabbab Bay Maheleg (El Quseir)

Broadclub Cuttlefish (Sepia latimanus)

Common

Broadclub Cuttlefish

Sepia latimanus

Large cuttlefish with hypnotic skin patterns used to stun prey. Spring mating displays are spectacular.

Did you know? They are colour-blind but see polarised light.

Size: 50 cm body
Diet: Crustaceans, fish
Season: Spring

Best places to see one

Marsa Shouna Marsa Egla

Bigfin Reef Squid (Sepioteuthis lessoniana)

Common

Bigfin Reef Squid

Sepioteuthis lessoniana

Forms synchronised schools that hover above the reef, pulsing colours in unison.

Did you know? Their colour changes are partly conversations - communicating with other squid.

Size: 40 cm
Diet: Small fish, shrimp
Season: Year-round

Best places to see one

Marsa Shouna Port Ghalib House Reef

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