THE FIRST RULE OF CUTTLEFISH FIGHT CLUb…

Always tell the truth! At least that’s what Australian researchers have discovered about Giant Australian Cuttlefish:

“The study on cuttlefish behaviour has found that male cuttlefish always tell the truth when facing off with other male cuttlefish – if they appear to be about to fight, they are”.

In fact there are a specific set of rules when battling with other male cuttlefish, - they perform a discrete sequence of visual displays to communicate a hierarchy of threats to rivals.

Learn more at https://www.mq.edu.au/newsroom/2016/07/29/first-rule-of-cuttlefish-fight-club-always-tell-the-truth/

under threat

A commercial fishing ban for Australian giant cuttlefish (Sepia apama) in the upper Spencer Gulf where this film was taken in 2019 has now been lifted. The ban was put in place in 2013 to adress a decline in population of the unique aggregration in this area. The fishing has now begun and the lifting of this ban is not based on science. It is unknown what effect on the population the fishing has already had.

Professor Roger Hanlon, of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (the largest independent oceanographic institution in the USA) has called the breeding aggregation “the premier marine attraction on the planet”.

The aggregation has also featured in David Attenborough documentaries and attracts divers from far and wide.

If you like this film or download it, please consider signing the petition to put pressure on government to ensure the survival of these unique creatures.

https://www.change.org/p/minister-tim-whetstone-protect-whyalla-s-giant-cuttlefish-aggregation?

https://www.facebook.com/cuttlefishalliance/

science LINKS

https://phys.org/news/2015-07-cuttlefish-wisely.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sepia_apama

download the film

Slow-motion full resolution 5760x2880 at 30fps for Meta Quest (8:48mins, 4GB): Click here for download

Real-speed 60fps version for Meta Quest (6:17mins, 3GB): Click here for download and choose the best version for your device

Once downloaded, transfer the file to the Movies folder on your Meta Quest headset and it will appear in Meta TV internal storage ready to watch. You may also have to switch the projection to 180VR with your controller.