3-D movies have provided scientists with a new tool to study how cuttlefish determine the distance to their prey when striking. By filming cuttlefish in 3-D, researchers have been able to create detailed models of their eye movements and body postures. These models have revealed that cuttlefish use a combination of binocular vision and motion parallax to judge distance.

Binocular vision is the ability to see objects in three dimensions by using both eyes. When we look at an object, our eyes are slightly offset from each other, which means that we see the object from two slightly different angles. Our brain uses these two images to create a 3-D representation of the object. Cuttlefish also have binocular vision, and they use it to judge the distance to their prey.

Motion parallax is the apparent movement of an object relative to the background when the observer moves. When we move our head, objects that are closer to us appear to move more quickly than objects that are farther away. Cuttlefish use motion parallax to judge the distance to their prey by moving their eyes and head.

By combining binocular vision and motion parallax, cuttlefish are able to accurately judge the distance to their prey and strike with precision. This ability is essential for cuttlefish, as they are voracious predators that rely on stealth and speed to catch their prey.

3-D movies have also been used to study other aspects of cuttlefish behavior, such as their camouflage abilities and their social interactions. This research has helped us to better understand these fascinating creatures and their unique adaptations.