Cuttlefish are masters of disguise, able to change the color and texture of their skin to blend in with their surroundings. This ability, known as camouflage, is thought to help cuttlefish avoid predators and catch prey. In a new study, researchers used high-resolution cameras and artificial intelligence (AI) to gain a more detailed understanding of cuttlefish camouflage. They found that cuttlefish use a variety of techniques to create intricate and effective disguises, including:

Color matching: Cuttlefish can change the color of their skin to match the background they are against. This ability is achieved by controlling the size and density of the chromatophores, cells that contain pigment.

Texture matching: In addition to changing color, cuttlefish can also change the texture of their skin to mimic the texture of the background. This is done by controlling the size and shape of the papillae, small bumps on the surface of the skin.

Pattern matching: Cuttlefish can create complex patterns on their skin that mimic the patterns of the background. This is done by combining color matching and texture matching.

3D structure: Cuttlefish can also change the 3D structure of their bodies to create more convincing disguises. This is done by controlling the muscles that control the movement of the skin.

The study's findings provide new insights into the complexity and effectiveness of cuttlefish camouflage. This knowledge could help researchers develop new camouflage materials and techniques for military and other applications.

Source: Science Advances