Diving with Octopus, Cuttlefish & Squid
Lanta Marine Life | Cephalopoda
Octopus, squid, cuttlefish and nautilus are all molluscs of the class cephalopod, all of which can be spotted while diving Koh Lanta.
Cephalopods are exclusively marine animals, with a prominent head, a set of tentacles and a common ability to squirt ink in times of stress.
There are around 800 species of cephalopods, which are widely regarded as the most intelligent of the invertebrates, with all species having well developed senses and large brains.
Octopus, cuttlefish, and squid can change their colors, patterns and textures in milliseconds, whether for signalling (both within the species and for warning) or active camouflage.
With the exception of the Nautilidae, cephalopods have an ink sac which can be used to expel a cloud of dark ink to confuse predators. This sac is a muscular bag which lies beneath the gut and opens into the anus, into which its contents - almost pure melanin - can be squirted.
Most cephalopods can move by jet propulsion which provides extremely rapid movement, however this is very energy intensive and all species have alternative methods of propulsion, e.g. squid and cuttlefish also employ fin motion.
All cephalopods have a two-part beak. They feed by capturing prey with their tentacles, drawing it into their mouth and taking bites from it.
Diving with Octopus, Cuttlefish & Squid around Koh Lanta
Scuba Diving & Snorkel Trips
If you'd love a chance to spot Octopus, Cuttlefish & Squid on one of our daily high season diving trips from Koh Lanta then send us an email to info@diveandrelax.com.
Join our high season speedboat dive trips to some of Thailand's best dive sites and enjoy small groups, short journey times, with a focus on great personal service, safety and fun.
Not yet a certified diver? Learn to Scuba Dive on Koh Lanta with the 3 day SSI Open Water Diver course.
Book online to save 10% on dive trips and scuba courses on Koh Lanta.
Find Out More
Indo-Pacific Marine Life Guides
- Allen, G., Steene, R., Humann, P., DeLoach, N. (2003) Reef Fish Identification, Tropical Pacific. Jacksonville, FL., USA: New World Publications, Inc., ISBN 1-878348-36-1.
- Humann, P., DeLoach, N., (2010) Reef Creature Identification, Tropical Pacific. Jacksonville, FL., USA: New World Publications Inc., ISBN 978-1-878348-44-9
- Debelius, H. (2013) Indian Ocean Reef Guide. Frankfurt, Germany: IKAN - Unterwasserarchiv, ISBN 978-3-939767-52-7.
- Debelius, H. (2004) Nudibranchs and Sea Snails, Indo-Pacific Field Guide. Frankfurt, Germany: IKAN - Unterwasserarchiv, ISBN 3-925919-51-1
- Erhardt, H., Knop, D. (2015) Corals Indo-Pacific Field Guide. Frankfurt, Germany: IKAN - Unterwasserarchiv, ISBN 3-925919-69-4.
- Veron J.E.N., Stafford-Smith M.G., Turak E. and DeVantier L.M. (2016). Corals of the World