Overview
Very common Mediterranean cephalopod, comes near shore in autumn and spring for reproduction. Prefers sandy and mixed bottoms.
Identification
Presence of ten arms, with two longer onesLarge internal calcareous shellRapid color changeAdvanced complex eyesRugose, flexible skinFin ridge surrounding the bodyProminent beakWide mantle
- Body
- Oval, soft body with a prominent pouch shape and two lateral lobes.
- Colouration
- Color varies greatly, ranging from orange to dark brown and black, often with intricate patterns.
- Sexual dimorphism
- Absent/not very noticeable
- Growth
- Fast, especially in the first months of life
Taxonomy
- Family
- Sepiidae
- Order
- Sepiida
- Class
- Cephalopoda
Related species
Sepia apamaSepia elegansSepia latimanusSepia pharaonisSepia prashadi
Habitat & distribution
- Environment
- coast, open_sea, estuarine
- Preferred bottom
- sand, mud, seagrass
- Geographic distribution
- Found in the Mediterranean, Eastern Atlantic from the British Isles to South Africa, and the North Sea.
- Micro-habitat
- Hides on sandy bottoms with low vegetation during the day.
Requires bottoms where it can hide and easily find prey.
Presence by sea area
Tirreno NordPeak
Tirreno CentroPeak
Tirreno SudPeak
Adriatico NordPeak
Adriatico CentroPeak
Adriatico SudPeak
Ionio NordPeak
Ionio CentroPeak
Sardegna OvestPeak
Sardegna EstPeak
Sicilia TirrenoPeak
Sicilia Ionio CanalePeak
Eu Mediterraneo OvestPeak
Eu Mediterraneo EstPeak
Eu Atlantico NePeak
Eu Golfo BiscagliaPeak
Eu Mare NordPeak
Eu BalticoPeak
Eu ManicaPeak
Diet
- Primary prey
- shrimp, small fish, crustaceans
- Secondary prey
- mollusks, marine worms, crabs
- Occasional prey
- smaller squid, jellyfish
- Feeding behaviour
- Active hunter using its long arms to quickly seize prey.
- Natural predators
- sharks, large predatory fish, seabirds, dolphins
Cuttlefish are opportunistic predators utilizing their camouflage to approach prey.
Behaviour
- Activity
- nocturnal
- Social behaviour
- solitary
- Aggressiveness
- medium
- Migration
- Periodically approaches the coast for spawning.
- Seasonal behaviour
- More active in spring and fall for spawning, often moving to coastal bottoms during these times.
- Juveniles
- Young cuttlefish are more vulnerable and stay closer to the seabed to hide.
- Adults
- Adults are more mobile with larger territories, often solitary.
Reproduction
- Spawning season
- April, May, June
- Spawning depth
- between 10 and 30 meters
- Eggs
- Grape-like clusters of eggs attached to substrates, benthic.
- Larval stage
- Larvae resemble small adults and are very active and independent after hatching.
- Sexual maturity
- 1-2 years
When to catch Common cuttlefish
Activity calendar
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
PeakGoodLowInactive
Activity by season
Best times
Dayalba, tramonto
Nightnotte, tarda sera
This species shows peak fishing activity in winter, when the productivity index (FPI) reaches its highest values.
Fishing activity decreases in spring and summer, when conditions are less favourable.
Ideal conditions
Atmospheric pressure
Low
Low pressure excellent for cuttlefish. Very active near shore, productive eging.
Medium
Regular activity. Feeds normally on sandy and mixed bottoms.
High
With high pressure stays on deep bottom. Less active near shore.
Barometric trend
Water temperature
10°COptimal zone: 14-24°C27°C
Preferred tide: low
Where to catch it
Best spots
near rocky areassandy areasclose to seagrass bedsmuddy bottoms
Bottom preference
Spot type
Fishing techniques
Recommended
rod fishingtrammel nettingpot trapshand lines
Other applicable
EgingBolentinoPesca A FondoTatakiEging LentoEging NotturnoEging Pesante
Recommended baits
live shrimpsmall baitfishsquid piecesmarine worms
Baits by pressure
Low
Egi naturale 2.5-3.0Egi rosa/arancioEgi scuro/verdeTotanara piombataEgi fosforescenteShrimp artificiale (gomma)Sabiki standard
Medium
Gambero vivoGambero morto / GamberoPesciolino vivo
High
Egi naturale 2.5-3.0Egi rosa/arancioEgi scuro/verde
Catch & handling tips
- Fight
- Initially attempts a quick escape, then tends to defend itself by releasing ink.
- Handling
- Handle with care to avoid the beak and prevent injury, be cautious of ink release.
- Release
- If possible, release back into the water to reduce stress, taking care not to damage the arms.
Curiosities & culture
- Record catches
- There are no official fishing records for cuttlefish; however, it's highly valued both commercially and recreationally, with specimens reaching around 5 kg and 50 cm in the Mediterranean.
- In the kitchen
- Highly prized in Mediterranean cuisine, used in dishes like risottos and seafood soups.
- Cultural notes
- Featured in numerous stories and myths as a symbol of metamorphosis and adaptability.
- Historical notes
- Cuttlefish fishing is traditional in Mediterranean countries, often also used for ink production.
