Sepia mestus

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Sepia mestus
Sepia mestus (2016).jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Cephalopoda
Order: Sepiida
Family: Sepiidae
Genus: Sepia
Subgenus: Sepia
Species:
S. mestus
Binomial name
Sepia mestus
Gray, 1849 [2]
Synonyms [2]

Sepia mestus, also known as the reaper cuttlefish or red cuttlefish, [3] is a species of cuttlefish native to the southwestern Pacific Ocean, specifically Escape Reef off Queensland ( 15°47′S145°47′E / 15.783°S 145.783°E / -15.783; 145.783 ) to Murrays Beach off Jervis Bay ( 35°08′S150°46′E / 35.133°S 150.767°E / -35.133; 150.767 ). Reports of this species from China and Vietnam are now known to be misidentifications.[ clarification needed ]S. mestus lives at a depth of between 0 and 22 m. [4]

Contents

Sepia mestus exhibits sexual dimorphism. Females grow to a mantle length (ML) of 124 mm, while males do not exceed 77 mm ML. [4]

The type specimen was collected off the Australian coast and is deposited at The Natural History Museum in London. [5]

Anatomy

Cuttlefish generally share many similar anatomical structures and it can be hard to distinguish between different species in certain situations. All cephalopods have a similar basic anatomical plan. Structures include a set of limbs that diverge from the head in a ring around the mouth. Major body parts such as reproductive systems, digestive organs and the gills are contained in the mantle (a muscular bag) at the posterior portion of the animal. [6]

Cuttlefish including S. mestus differ from octopuses as they have an additional pair of limbs that octopuses lack. These limbs are known as feeding tentacles. These tentacles are found between arms three and four. The feeding tentacles are typically used for extended quickly to capture prey. [6] They are further differentiated by having a rigid body supported by a cuttlebone; this mantle is distinct, whereas in octopuses the head and mantle surface have fused together.

Sepia mestus is commonly referred to as the red cuttlefish. When undisturbed it is typically recognized by its red colouration and two dark spots on the posterior of the animal. [7]

A photo of Sepia mestus swimming. Sepia mestus (front view).jpg
A photo of Sepia mestus swimming.

Sepiamestus can see contrast between stripes in the what is called the polarizing drum. [8]

Mobility

Sepia mestus propels itself through the water using a technique that is seen in many cephalopods. Water is pushed through a cavity that is formed by the mantle. The animal ejects water from the mantle via a tubular funnel. This technique allows the animal to move through the environment using jet propulsion. A relaxed mantle allows for water to fill the mantle cavity. A contracted mantle forces water out through the tubular funnel. The funnel can be pointed in different directions allowing for movement forward and backward away from predators or towards prey. [6]

Ecology

Some common predators of S. mestus include bluefish, summer flounder, and black seabass. [9]

Common prey of S. mestus and other cuttlefish include different species of shrimp, crab, and young fish. [10]

A photo of summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus), a common predator of S. mestus Summer flounder photo4.jpg
A photo of summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus), a common predator of S. mestus

Anti-predator behaviour

Video of Sepia mestus hunting in waters off Sydney. (2014)

Camouflage is a distinctive feature of cephalopods, including S. mestus. Cephalopods can change their colour and texture instantaneously to avoid detection.

Small organs in the skin called chromatophores allow for colour change. These chromatophores are very small expandable bags of dense pigment in which a spot of particular colour can be displayed. [6]

Sepia mestus and most other species of cuttlefish can also alter skin texture to blend in with their environment. They push up specialized flaps of skin called papillae to match shapes of rock, coral, and seaweed. When a cuttlefish contracts the rings of muscle around the base of the papillae in different ways, the flaps rise accordingly, changing the appearance of the animal. [6]

Sepia mestus can also bury itself under the sand to avoid predators. [6]

Life cycle and mating behaviour

To attract a potential mate, a male will perform various displays to catch the attention of a female. Once a male is successful in attracting a mate, the male will insert the hectocotylus into the female’s mantle cavity to fertilize the female. The female will then lay her eggs nearby. [11] All cuttlefish, including S. mestus, disperse their eggs by attachment to the sea floor, usually on or under hard surfaces such as rock and coral. [6]

After spawning and brooding, male and female adults usually die shortly after. [11] Like most members of the class Cephalopoda, S. mestus are gonochoric. After the embryos develop for about two months, they will hatch and remain in a planktonic stage briefly before developing into adults. [12]

Distribution

Sepia mestus is endemic to Australia (Reid et al. 2005), ranging along the east coast from northern Queensland to Jervis Bay in New South Wales (Reid et al.2005). [13]

The Great barrier reef off the coast of north eastern Australia is a common habitat of Sepia mestus. Great Barrier Reef snorkeling 21.jpg
The Great barrier reef off the coast of north eastern Australia is a common habitat of Sepia mestus.

Habitat

Sepia mestus lives in depths up to 22 m. [13] inhabiting a tropical climate [11]

Sepia mestus typically lives on rocky reefs and is typically seen under ledges (Norman 2003). [13]

Many of the world's cuttlefish species are found in Australian waters, including S. mestus. [14]

Conservation status

It is considered of least concern. [13]

Threats

Increasing levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere cause ocean acidification and are potentially a threat to all cuttlefish species. In high CO2 concentrations, cuttlefishes tend to lay down a denser cuttlebone, which could impair cuttlefish buoyancy regulation (Gutowska et al. 2010). [11]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Squid</span> Superorder of cephalopod molluscs

A squid is a mollusc with an elongated soft body, large eyes, eight arms, and two tentacles in the superorder Decapodiformes, though many other molluscs within the broader Neocoleoidea are also called squid despite not strictly fitting these criteria. Like all other cephalopods, squid have a distinct head, bilateral symmetry, and a mantle. They are mainly soft-bodied, like octopuses, but have a small internal skeleton in the form of a rod-like gladius or pen, made of chitin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cephalopod</span> Class of mollusks

A cephalopod is any member of the molluscan class Cephalopoda such as a squid, octopus, cuttlefish, or nautilus. These exclusively marine animals are characterized by bilateral body symmetry, a prominent head, and a set of arms or tentacles modified from the primitive molluscan foot. Fishers sometimes call cephalopods "inkfish", referring to their common ability to squirt ink. The study of cephalopods is a branch of malacology known as teuthology.

<i>Metasepia pfefferi</i> Species of cuttlefish

Metasepia pfefferi, also known as the flamboyant cuttlefish, is a species of cuttlefish occurring in tropical Indo-Pacific waters off northern Australia, southern New Guinea, as well as numerous islands of the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia.

<i>Sepia latimanus</i> Species of cephalopods known as the broadclub cuttlefish

Sepia latimanus, also known as the broadclub cuttlefish, is widely distributed from the Andaman Sea, east to Fiji, and south to northern Australia. It is the most common cuttlefish species on coral reefs, living at a depth of up to 30 m.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Common cuttlefish</span> Species of cephalopod

The common cuttlefish or European common cuttlefish is one of the largest and best-known cuttlefish species. They are a migratory species that spend the summer and spring inshore for spawning and then move to depths of 100–200 metres (330–660 ft) during autumn and winter. They grow to 49 centimetres (19 in) in mantle length and 4 kilograms (8.8 lb) in weight. Animals from subtropical seas are smaller and rarely exceed 30 centimetres (12 in) in mantle length.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pharaoh cuttlefish</span> Species of cephalopods

The pharaoh cuttlefish is a large cuttlefish species, growing to 42 cm in mantle length and 5 kg in weight.

Sepia bartletti is a species of cuttlefish native to the western Pacific Ocean. It is known only from the type locality. Depth range is unknown. Some authorities regard S. bartletti as a nomen dubium.

Sepia insignis is a species of cuttlefish native to the southwestern Indian Ocean, specifically South Africa, from the Cape of Good Hope to Natal. It lives at depths to 42 m.

Sepia australis, the southern cuttlefish, is a species of cuttlefish which is found in the eastern South Atlantic Ocean and the western Indian Ocean off the coasts of Southern Africa, possibly extending into the waters off East Africa.

Sepia peterseni is a species of cuttlefish native to the western Pacific Ocean. Its natural range stretches south of central Honshū to southern Kyūshū, and it is also present in South Korea. It lives on the inner shelf at depths of between 20 and 100 m.

Sepia plana is a species of cuttlefish native to the coast of Australia, specifically the North West Shelf. However, cuttlebones of this species have also been found off eastern Australia, suggesting that it may have a wider distribution. S. plana lives at depths of between 396 and 505 m.

Sepia reesi is a species of cuttlefish native to the southeastern Indian Ocean. Cuttlebone of this species known only from the type locality.

Sepia rhoda is a species of cuttlefish native to the Indo-Pacific, specifically from the Arafura Sea to the North West Shelf, both off Australia. It lives at depths of between 64 and 184 m.

<i>Sepia</i> (cephalopod) Genus of cephalopods

Sepia is a genus of cuttlefish in the family Sepiidae encompassing some of the best known and most common species. The cuttlebone is ellipsoid in shape. The name of the genus is the Latinised form of the Ancient Greek σηπία (sēpía) "cuttlefish".

<i>Sepia tuberculata</i> Species of mollusc

Sepia tuberculata is a species of cuttlefish native to South African waters from Melkbosstrand to Knysna. It belongs to the genus Sepia. It lives in very shallow water to a depth of 3 m. It is endemic.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cuttlefish</span> Order of molluscs

Cuttlefish, or cuttles, are marine molluscs of the order Sepiida. They belong to the class Cephalopoda which also includes squid, octopuses, and nautiluses. Cuttlefish have a unique internal shell, the cuttlebone, which is used for control of buoyancy.

<i>Sepia prashadi</i> Species of cuttlefish

Sepia prashadi, common name hooded cuttlefish, is a widely distributed species of cuttlefish. It has a thin, oval body and grows from 5 to 11 cm. The tips of the tentacles have a distinct club shape. S. prashadi is a migratory, demersal cuttlefish living in shallow waters at depths of approximately 40 to 50 metres. It is found in many locations including the east coast of Africa, around India, in the Red Sea, and Persian Gulf.

Sepia braggi, the slender cuttlefish, is a species of cuttlefish native to the Indo-Pacific Ocean. It has been found in coastal waters of southern Australia. This species was first collected in South Australia by its namesake, William Lawrence Bragg. Sepia braggi was then described by Sir Joseph Cooke Verco in 1907.Sepia braggi is part of the subgenus Doratosepion which contains to 41 species of cuttlefish in total.

<i>Sepia elegans</i> Species of cuttlefish

Sepia elegans, the elegant cuttlefish, is a species of cuttlefish in the family Sepiidae from the eastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. It is an important species for fisheries in some parts of the Mediterranean where its population may have suffered from overfishing.

<i>Sepia hierredda</i> Species of cuttlefish

Sepia hierredda, the giant African cuttlefish, is a species of cuttlefish from the family Sepiidae, which was previously considered conspecific with the common cuttlefish Sepia officinalis. It is found along the western coast of Africa and is an important species to fisheries.

References

  1. ↑ Barratt, I.; Allcock, L. (2012). "Sepia mestus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2012: e.T162642A934873. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012-1.RLTS.T162642A934873.en . Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  2. 1 2 Julian Finn (2016). "Sepia mestus Gray, 1849". World Register of Marine Species. Flanders Marine Institute. Retrieved 19 February 2018.
  3. ↑ "The Reaper Cuttlefish - Whats That Fish!". www.whatsthatfish.com. Retrieved 2016-10-03.
  4. 1 2 Reid, A., P. Jereb, & C.F.E. Roper 2005. Family Sepiidae. In: P. Jereb & C.F.E. Roper, eds. Cephalopods of the world. An annotated and illustrated catalogue of species known to date. Volume 1. Chambered nautiluses and sepioids (Nautilidae, Sepiidae, Sepiolidae, Sepiadariidae, Idiosepiidae and Spirulidae). FAO Species Catalogue for Fishery Purposes. No. 4, Vol. 1. Rome, FAO. pp. 57–152.
  5. ↑ Current Classification of Recent Cephalopoda
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Norman, Mark; Reid, Amanda (2000). Guide to Squid, Cuttlefish and Octopuses of Australasia. doi:10.1071/9780643101098. ISBN   9780643101098. S2CID   82485615.
  7. ↑ Falkner, Inke; Turnbull, John (2019). Underwater Sydney. doi:10.1071/9781486311194. ISBN   9781486311194. S2CID   239189723.
  8. ↑ Talbot, Christopher; Marshall, Justin (2010). "Polarization sensitivity in two species of cuttlefish – Sepia plangon (Gray 1849) and Sepia mestus (Gray 1849) – demonstrated with polarized optomotor stimuli". Journal of Experimental Biology. 213 (19): 3364–3370. doi:10.1242/jeb.042937. PMID   20833930. S2CID   11048132.
  9. ↑ Staudinger, Michelle D.; Buresch, Kendra C.; Mäthger, Lydia M.; Fry, Charlie; McAnulty, Sarah; Ulmer, Kimberly M.; Hanlon, Roger T. (December 2013). "Defensive Responses of Cuttlefish to Different Teleost Predators". The Biological Bulletin. 225 (3): 161–174. doi:10.1086/bblv225n3p161. hdl: 1912/6401 . ISSN   0006-3185. PMID   24445442. S2CID   8828514.
  10. ↑ Darmaillacq, Anne-Sophie; Chichery, Raymond; Poirier, Roseline; Dickel, Ludovic (2004). "Effect of early feeding experience on subsequent prey preference by cuttlefish,Sepia officinalis". Developmental Psychobiology. 45 (4): 239–244. doi:10.1002/dev.20034. ISSN   0012-1630. PMID   15549683.
  11. 1 2 3 4 "Sepia mestus, reaper cuttlefish". sealifebase.ca. Retrieved 2018-02-25.
  12. ↑ "Cephalopod | class of mollusks". Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 2018-02-25.
  13. 1 2 3 4 "Cuttlefish - Sepia mestus - Details - Encyclopedia of Life". Encyclopedia of Life. Retrieved 2018-02-25.
  14. ↑ Reid, Amanda Louise. (2005). A new cuttlefish, Sepia filibrachia n. sp., from the South China Sea with a redescription of Sepia mestus Gray, 1849 (Cephalopoda:Sepiidae) from eastern Australia. Magnolia Press. OCLC   70894098.
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