Breeding and Characteristics of Dwarf Cuttlefish

Cuttlefish marine life animals are members of cephalopods includes squid, octopus and chambered nautilus ("The nautilus is the only cephalopod that has a fully developed shell for protection (cuttlebone)" 2). 1 Cuttlefish features large eyes, eight arms, and two tentacles with finely toothed margin of suckers (secures prey) and internal shell (called the cuttlebone 4). 3 The physiology of dwarf Cuttlefish encompasses three hearts, and an esophagus that passes through the brain. 7 Copper containing protein in the Cuttlefish carries oxygen produces a green - blue color blood. 9 The species survive in tepid latitudes of the globe between the tropics and polar circles. Cuttlefish length size: One to thirty-five inches. 4 Cuttlefish primarily prey and eat frequently mysid shrimp. 5 Life-span of Cuttlefish up to eighteen months (shorter in a home aquarium or tank). The species release into the water ink some more than others. 6 Predators of the Cuttlefish are sharks, dolphins, seals, fish and other cuttlefish. Traditionally the species used by silversmiths and jewelers as moulds for casting small objects. Parakeets and caged birds consume the cuttlefish as a source of dietary calcium. 9 "Cuttlefish are popular as food in various countries, and particularly in Japan, India, and many Mediterranean countries (Herbst 2001)." The cuttlebone was used to make polishing powder for antacid (or absorbent) and added to toothpaste. 10

Cuttlefish have a short life span, suggest purchasing eggs first, rather than dwarf Cuttlefish: May have weeks to months to live upon arrival from a breeder. Shipped baby Cuttlefish frequently arrive in poor health do to harsh environment during delivery. 6 Cuttlefish dwarf eggs average hatching time 23 days - four weeks. 5 Cuttlefish have been sold up to $100 each. Dietary requirement of the species is very expensive: "An individual that is half grown will eat two 5 cm (2") wide crabs per day and more on top of that.12 mm long babies can and will eat up to five 12 mm (1/2") long shrimps each day." Electrical equipment should be kept away from a tank, since the species can spit water out of the tank by using their siphon. 8

Guidelines for Raising Dwarf Cuttlefish in a tank:

The survival of Cuttlefish requires constant flow of fresh oxygenated water. Best results when eggs are placed in a plastic breeding chamber and pitch underneath the water surface. During final stage of development eggs should not be moved are premature hatching may result. Prior to birth Cuttlefish eggs becomes transparent: "This will be the first time you will be able to actually see the cuttle developing and grow." Within two seconds hatchlings quickly emerge from their egg layer. Dwarf Cuttlefish may start eating up to four days after birth, since the yolk in the eggs provided nutritional support. Suggest separating dwarf Cuttlefish before three months old, otherwise fighting among the species result in cannibalism. Instinctively Cuttlefish prey on live food especially mysid shrimp. Also, the species survives eating amphipods, baby crab, and crustaceans. 5 Researchers speculate Cuttlefish have fully developed vision before birth and observing their surroundings while still in the egg. 9 Baby Cuttlefish eat about three times a day. "A word of warning - when you collect mysids yourself, first make sure that the water is unpolluted (however the presence of them can sometimes indicate so)". Mysid Shrimp tend to die during transportation when oxygen level in containment is quickly consumed. A battery operated bump maintains oxygenated level for Mysid Shrimp during delivery time. 5

Raising baby Cuttlefish requires cleaning and changing the breeding nets frequently. Dwarf Cuttlefish leave behind lots of poop and heads of mysid Shrimp. Breeding nets should be changed every three or four days and daily removing left - over food from the nets. Ink deposits from Cuttlefish removed by a small siphon ("Problems only start to occur when the ink is not removed; then suffocation will occur" 6). 5 Not recommend placing any fish, crab or decorative shrimp in the same tank of Cuttlefish, likely be eaten. "It's said they can catch and kill prey up to 1.5 times the size of their mantle". Cuttlefish will change to an almost black color with white spots when provoked into battle (camouflage themselves from predators 9) or closer to the opponent including their own species. Cuttlefish generally live healthy life span, except for developing an infection leading to death: Develops when a cut occurs on the back of end of cuttle, resulting from darting backward and hitting an object or rock when startled. 6

Currently, the California Academy of Sciences - Steinhart Aquarium conducting the largest study of captive breeding Cuttlefish, within an anchored algae - covered rock in a 120 - gallon tank. The study of Cuttlefish is pioneered by Academy biologist Richard Ross. The objective of the study Ross explains: "our hope is to make it easier for aquariums to showcase cuttlefish and their remarkable characteristics without impacting wild populations." Researchers and aquarium visitors interested in the development of the species brain, nervous system, eyes and characteristic skin color change. "To date, more than 350 cuttlefish have hatched at the Academy." Most hatchlings send to research institutions and aquariums for further study. 7

References:

1.) First Aquarium in US to Breed Dwarf Cuttlefish - http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091112141319.htm

2.) Chambered Nautilus - http://www.aqua.org/animals_chamberednautilus.html

3.) Cuttlefish - http://www.sciencedaily.com/articles/c/cuttlefish.htm

4.) cuttlefish - http://www.answers.com/topic/cuttlefish

5.) Rearing Dwarf Cuttlefish - http://www.reefcove.co.uk/CephsUK/Rearing.htm

6.) Growing on Dwarf Cuttlefish - http://www.reefcove.co.uk/CephsUK/Growing.htm

7.) California Aquarium First in US to Breed Dwarf Cuttlefish - http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/1785547/california_aquarium_first_in_us_to_breed_dwarf_cuttlefish/index.html

8.) Before you buy a cuttlefish - http://www.tonmo.com/cephcare/cuttlefishcare.php

9.) Cuttlefish - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuttle_fish

10.) Cuttlefish - Cuttlefish as food - http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Cuttlefish