Sepia officinalis

Overview

MarLIN describes a flattened oval body edged by paired fins, with eight arms and two extendable feeding tentacles. Mantle length can reach roughly 45 cm; this figure excludes the extended tentacles.

The porous cuttlebone regulates buoyancy through fluid changes. Coastal sand and mud support the species; juveniles may use seagrass. Breeding and temperature influence seasonal inshore–offshore movements; reported lifespan is one to two years.

Schnell and colleagues (2021) tested six young (about 10–12 months) and six aged (about 22–24 months) cuttlefish on what-where-when food tasks. Both groups performed comparably, and aged animals reached criterion faster. The authors note that such behaviour cannot demonstrate conscious recollection, and the result does not show that every memory system resists ageing.

Origins & earliest records

Attributed to Linnaeus, 1758, per MarLIN. The supplied sources establish no evolutionary origin.

Evidence & interpretation

One institutional marine species account (MarLIN) and one peer-reviewed behavioural experiment.

Selected bibliography

Documented works and useful reading. This is not a list of every appearance.

1. 01

   Common cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis)

   · 2018

   Selected bibliography; MarLIN species account covering description, distribution and biology.

2. 02

   Episodic-like memory is preserved with age in cuttlefish

   Schnell, Clayton, Hanlon and Jozet-Alves · 2021

   Selected bibliography; Proceedings B 288:20211052, DOI 10.1098/rspb.2021.1052.

Family, evolution & connections

Taxonomic classification

A hierarchy of classified groups, not a chain of direct ancestors.

Source note: Only family placement is directly stated in the supplied sources; higher ranks are omitted.

1. FamilySepiidae

References

Sources supporting this profile. Linked pages have their own scope and editorial standards.

1. Institutional species accountCommon cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis)Research access: 2026-10-06
2. Peer-reviewed articleEpisodic-like memory is preserved with age in cuttlefishResearch access: 2026-10-06

Image credits

A sourced illustration has not yet been added. This gap is included in the coverage record.