Flamboyant Cuttlefish

This small cuttlefish has a compact body and prominent pale bars along the upper mantle. The Western Australian Museum describes a mantle length reaching 8 cm. Identification source. The guide retains the existing scientific name Metasepia pfefferi; the Monterey Bay Aquarium uses Ascarosepion pfefferi, and that naming difference needs reconciliation.

Shallow sand and mud are documented habitats, where this cuttlefish hunts small fish and crustaceans. Western Australian Museum habitat account. General habitat suitability is not evidence of presence at an individual Philippine dive site.

Responsible observation

Avoid seabed contact, manipulating animals and close camera flashes. See Green Fins guidance.

These references support general guidance, not a recent sighting or an encounter guarantee. This is a partial guide; local information can be corrected as evidence improves.