Cephalopod Collection (page 20)

Giant octopus, artwork
Giant octopus. Computer artwork of a giant octopus under light rays

Bobtail squid on the seabed
Bobtail squid (order Sepiolida) on the seabed. Like all squid, bobtail squid have small sacs of pigment beneath the surface of the skin called chromatophores

Camouflaged reef octopus. Reef octopus (Octopus sp.) extremely well camouflaged against coral. This octopus can change the colour and texture of its skin to camouflage itself from predators and prey

Caribbean reef squid (Sepioteuthis sepioidea). This small schooling squid inhabits shallow coastal waters of the Caribbean Sea. It feeds on crustaceans and small fish

Flamboyant cuttlefish hunting
Flamboyant cuttlefish (Metasepia pfefferi) hunting on the sea floor. Cuttlefish feed on small molluscs, crabs, shrimp and fish by rapidly striking out with a pair of tentacles

Squid hiding in feather star. Juvenile of an unknown species of squid hiding within the arms of a feather star. Juvenile squid are capable of changing the colour of their skin from birth

Day octopus (Octopus cyanea). This octopus, also known as the common reef octopus, is common in the tropical Indo-Pacific region and, unusually for an octopus, it is active by day

Stephen WONG / SpecialistStock
Broadclub Cuttlefish and diver. Kapalai Island, Malaysia

Mark Harding / SpecialistStock
Pacific octupus. Ecuador

Anthony Pierce / SpecialistStock
Flying Squid Species in mid-air, roughly 100 nm North of Tristan Da Cunha, South Atlantic Ocean. Flying Squid use membranes between their tentacles (visible on pic)

Cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) Close up of eye Babbacombe, Torquay, South Devon, UK
Alan James / SplashdownDirect

Chambered nautilus, Nautilus belauensis, Palau, Micronesia
Andre Seale / SplashdownDirect

Ornate octopus, at night, (Octopus ornatus). Oahu, Hawaii (N. Pacific)
Andre Seale / SpecialistStock

Reef cutlefish portrait, night, Sepia sp. Madang, Papua New Guinea (Solomon Sea)
Andre Seale / SpecialistStock

Reef octopus, Octopus cyanea, crawling over reef, Ailuk atoll, Marshall Islands, Pacific
Andre Seale / SpecialistStock

Night fishery for Humbolt Squid (Dosidicus gigas) in the Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez)
Michael Nolan / SpecialistStock

Cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) Captured in fishing cage. Babbacombe, Torquay, South Devon, UK. (RR)
Alan James / SplashdownDirect

Cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) changing colour Scraggane, The Maharees, County Kerry, Ireland
Alan James / SplashdownDirect

Cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) Close up of eye Babbacombe, Torquay, South Devon, UK
Alan James / SplashdownDirect

Cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) Two feeding Babbacombe, Torquay, South Devon, UK
Alan James / SplashdownDirect

Cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) Courtship Babbacombe, Torquay, South Devon, UK. (RR)
Alan James / SplashdownDirect

Cuttlefishes (Sepia officinalis) Babbacombe, Torquay, South Devon, UK
Alan James / SplashdownDirect

For sale as Licensed Images

Choose your image, Select your licence and Download the media

"Exploring the Enigmatic World of Cephalopods: From Ancient Mosaics to Living Wonders" Dive into the captivating realm of cephalopods, as we unravel their intriguing story through various hints scattered across time. Starting with a Roman seafood mosaic, depicting an array of marine creatures, our attention is drawn to the mesmerizing giant octopus that has fascinated humans for centuries. Moving forward in history, an engraving showcasing a nautilus and an ammonite reminds us of these ancient relatives of modern-day cephalopods. These extinct marine reptiles once roamed the oceans alongside fascinating creatures like Asteroceras, a fossil ammonite frozen in time. Shifting our focus to present times, we encounter the enigmatic octopus - intelligent and elusive beings that continue to captivate scientists and enthusiasts alike. An astonishing SEM image reveals intricate details of an ammonite fossil while highlighting its significance in understanding Earth's past. Traveling back further in time, we stumble upon a 19th-century depiction of the common octopus - showcasing its unique characteristics and vibrant colors. However, not all cephalopods boast such flamboyance; enter the Blue-ringed Octopus with its stunning blue rings serving as both beauty and warning. As we delve deeper into this diverse group of animals known as cephalopods, we come across Argonauta hians or brown paper nautilus - displaying incredible craftsmanship by creating delicate shells from secreted materials. Meanwhile, Sepia officinalis or cuttlefish amazes us with its side view revealing remarkable adaptations for survival. From ancient mosaics portraying Roman delicacies to fossils preserving long-lost species like ammonites and marine reptiles – cephalopods have left their mark throughout history. Today's living wonders such as giant octopuses and colorful blue-ringed octopi remind us that there is still much more to uncover about these intelligent and mysterious creatures that inhabit our aquatic world.