Anatomy of finfish and shellfish

Unit 13- Mollusca

13.4.1. Habits and Habitat
The Cuttle-fish, like the squid (Loligo), is a marine mollusc living usually in shallow coastal waters. It is widely distributed especially in warmer seas like the Mediterranean. It is not a bottom-dweller. It is quite a good swimmer and can swim either forwards or backwards by its fins and funnel. They are found in groups, either swimming freely or\resting on the sea bottom, where it can bury itself. Various species live in different depths of the sea, some as far down as 3,000 \meters. Breeding occurs between late winter and summer when they migrate into deep or shallow water, according to the species. The cuttle-fish can adapt its colouration to its surroundings and, like most other cephalopods exhibit luminescence. It feeds on fish, crabs, shrimps and prawns, etc., and can eject a jet of ink to distract the attention of the, enemy.