A new study by researchers at the University of Bristol has uncovered a fascinating hunting strategy used by cuttlefish. These intelligent marine predators deploy a dynamic skin display to camouflage themselves in the final moments before striking their prey.
How Cuttlefish Use Motion Camouflage to Hunt
Many predators face challenges in staying hidden while moving, but cuttlefish have evolved a unique motion camouflage technique. According to the study, Stealth and deception: adaptive motion camouflage in hunting broadclub cuttlefish, published in Science Advances, broadclub cuttlefish create dark, moving stripes across their head and arms. This effect helps them blend into their surroundings, confusing their prey and disguising their approach.
Dr. Matteo Santon, the study’s lead author from the University of Bristol’s School of Biological Sciences, explains:
“Camouflage is often studied as a survival strategy used by prey animals. However, our research reveals how cuttlefish, as predators, use advanced camouflage techniques even while in motion.”
The Science Behind the Hypnotic Display
Dr. Martin How, the study’s senior author, highlights the unique advantage cuttlefish have over other predators:
“Most cuttlefish rely on stealth when hunting. Their ability to rapidly change skin color gives them an unmatched range of camouflage options, even while moving.”
By analyzing the visual perspective of prey—such as crabs—the researchers discovered that the rhythmic passing-stripe display confuses the prey’s vision. The rapid motion of these stripes overwhelms the prey’s sensory system, making them fail to detect the incoming predator.
Dr. Santon adds:
“To human eyes, this display appears highly visible. However, for the prey, the fast-moving stripes create an illusion of motion blur, preventing them from recognizing the looming predator.”
Cuttlefish: Masters of Deception
This research also highlights that broadclub cuttlefish use at least three additional types of hunting displays, making them one of the most versatile marine hunters. The next phase of the study will focus on understanding how cuttlefish decide which display to use in different hunting scenarios.
Dr. Santon describes witnessing this behavior in the wild as a “magical experience,” likening it to watching a skilled illusionist at work.
Reference:
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Matteo Santon et al. (2025). Stealth and deception: adaptive motion camouflage in hunting broadclub cuttlefish. Science Advances. DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adr3686
Key Takeaways:
✅ Cuttlefish use motion camouflage to stalk prey unnoticed.
✅ Moving stripes on their skin create an optical illusion, overwhelming prey vision.
✅ These cephalopods have multiple hunting displays, showcasing incredible adaptability.
This groundbreaking research sheds new light on the evolution of camouflage in marine predators, offering exciting insights into the mysteries of the deep sea.