Cuttlefish & Squids of Lembeh – Species List

Golden Cuttlefish Acanthosepion esculentum

Recognized by the blue-line circling its mantle. This species often features a sandy colors and is often camouflaged. The golden cuttlefish can reach up to 180mm in length. Usually found in the sandy and volcanic sites of Lembeh Strait.

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Dwarf Cuttlefish Ascarosepion bandense

Sometimes referred to as the Pygmy Cuttlefish! These are very small cuttlefishes, often found between crinoids and corals. They’re very adept at shifting between colors, and have been seen in a rather wide spectrum. Although there is still some uncertainty if the Dwarf Cuttlefish seen in Lembeh, is indeed the Ascarosepion bandense or if it is actually the undescribed Crinoid Cuttlefish. These cuttlefishes only grow up to 4 to 7cm. Found in the coral sites of Lembeh. 

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Broadclub Cuttlefish Ascarosepion latimanus

The Broadclub Cuttlefish is the second largest species of Cuttlefish in the world! They’re most well-known for their ability to change their skin textures instantly as a means of camouflage but also as a method of communication. This species is quite curious and has been seen observing and following divers around. Juvenile Broadclub Cuttlefishes are recognized for being completely white in colors and at a size of 4-5cm. While adult Broadclubs Cuttlefishes can grow up to 50cm in length, displaying a variety of colors depending on the environment its in. They’re seen in Lembeh across a variety of sites

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Flamboyant Cuttlefish Ascarosepion pfefferi

The Flamboyant Cuttlefish is the most striking and recognizable cuttlefish found in Lembeh. Unlike other cuttlefishes, the flamboyant prefer to walk across the sandy bottoms of Lembeh Strait. While they are able to swim, they’re rarely seen doing so. They’re reported to be highly toxic, as the bright and flamboyant colors it features is likely the result of layers of toxic membranes. Eggs of the Flamboyant Cuttlefish are often found in coconut husks and shells, and even in an egg state, the baby flamboyant cuttlefishes already features the same striking colors. Found in the sandy and volcanic sites of Lembeh Strait.

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Cuttlefish Ascarosepion sp.

This is a cuttlefish that we weren’t able to identify. Its extremely well-camouflaged with only it’s head and eyes visible, all the while being slightly hairy. 

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Berry’s Bobtail Squid Euprymna berryi

Also sometimes referred to as the Hummingbird Bobtail Squid! These are small nocturnal squids, but we’ve also seen them sometimes during daytime. Recognized by their bioluminescence, we’ve seen color variations ranging from accents of green, purple, and blue. Rarely seen swimming, these squids are often found on the sandy bottoms of Lembeh Strait, where they burrow themselves into the sand. They can grow up to 5cm in size, but they’re often even smaller than that. They can be found in sites with sandy bottoms and sediment.

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Tropical Pygmy Squid Idiosepius pygmaeus

Usually found between seagrass and algae, this is another small species of squid that grows up 20mm. Recognized by its yellow colors and small black dots.

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Pacific Bobtail Squid Sepioloidea pacifica

While the Pacific Bobtail Squid is so far only documented in the waters of New Zealand, we’ve also had sightings of it in the waters of Lembeh Strait. So far we only have one photograph of it. However, it’s possible this might be a wrong identification from our part. We’re assuming it shares similar habitats to Berry’s Bobtail Squid.

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Bigfin Reef Squid Sepioteuthis lessoniana

These are iridescent squids! Usually seen during night-dives as they can be attracted to light. They can grow up to 33cm, and are found in the coral reef sites of Lembeh Strait.

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