The pretty colors might fool you, but this flashy color-changing fish is deadly.
The charming cuttlefish’s gently fluttering hue will fascinate you, but if you get too close to its poisonous skin, it is harmful – and might be deadly.
The incredible footage was captured by scuba diving instructor Natalie Bondarenko, from Russia, during a trip to the Lembeh Strait in North Sulawesi, Indonesia.
“The flamboyant cuttlefish employs sophisticated and varied camouflage to stalk its prey,” Natalie added.
The standard color of this species is dark brown, although when they are disturbed or attacked, they rapidly develop a black, dark brown, or white pattern with yellow patches surrounding the mantle, arms, and eyes.
“Animals displaying this color pattern have been observed using their lower arms to amble along the seafloor while rhythmically waving the wide protective membranes on their arms.
“This conduct displays a poisonous disposition – the flesh of this cuttlefish contains a deadly, unique toxin.”
