Kingdom Animalia Order Sepiida Genus Sepia Scientific name Sepia tuberculata Rank Species | Phylum Mollusca Family Sepiidae Subgenus Sepia Higher classification Sepia | |
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Sepia tuberculata is a species of cuttlefish native to South African waters from Melkbosstrand (33°43′S 18°26′E) to Knysna (34°03′S 23°03′E). It lives in very shallow water to a depth of 3 m. It is endemic.
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The type specimen was collected off the coast of South Africa and is deposited at the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle in Paris.
Description
Sepia tuberculata grows to a mantle length of 82 mm. The upper surface of the body is rough with variably extending bumps. The lower body surface has two glandular patches. Like all cuttlefish, this species has ten arms, of which two are elongated tentacles used for catching prey. It has narrow fins which extend the length of the body.
Ecology
S. tuberculata is capable of changing colour rapidly. It feeds on shrimps. It uses its glandular patches to cling to rocks.