See some surprisingly beautiful animals—like a flamboyant cuttlefish—at the Aquarium. Plan a visit and buy your ticket online—no service charges.

The flamboyant cuttlefish (Metasepia pfefferi) may only grow to be 2 or 3 inches long and live just a few months, but they sure can make a spectacle. Just watch!

     

Did you notice the rippling stripes surging down the little cuttlefish's back? This species can hypnotize its prey and change colors using chromataphores in its skin. [Head over to KQED Science to learn about this remarkable ability.] All those flashy visuals also tell predators to steer clear of a toxic meal. The cuttlefish's skin is toxic—and even the aquarists have to be careful not to touch!

Flamboyant cuttlefish in its exhibit.

Native to the western Pacific, these flamboyant cuttlefish were hatched by our friends at Monterey Bay Aquarium and are now nearing the end of their lifespan. But exciting things are happening behind the scenes here on Central Wharf (hint: it's very, very tiny but still flamboyant). Stay tuned!