Photo of cuttlefish. Cuttlefish is a cephalopod: description, lifestyle and nutrition. It is not particularly similar to cuttlefish.

Cuttlefish is a representative of the class of cephalopods. It is often called the “sea chameleon” because it can change its color to match its surroundings. The color of the cuttlefish is heterogeneous: the tentacles are greenish, the fins have a purple tint, the dorsal part is brownish with stripes and spots, and the belly is lighter. Cuttlefish is found in subtropical and tropical seas, mainly in shallow water bodies.

There are more than 100 different species of cuttlefish. The most numerous species is " pharaoh's sickle", which lives in the northern Indian Ocean. A large mollusk can weigh up to 12 kilograms and be up to 50 centimeters long.

How to choose

In appearance, cuttlefish is similar to squid, only meatier and rounder. Fresh cuttlefish can be purchased at a fish store or market. If possible and desired, you can peel and cut it. When choosing a cuttlefish that has already been peeled, look carefully to see if there are any remaining ink residues. When cleaning yourself, it is advisable to wear gloves, as the ink contained in the mollusk stains your hands.

How to store

It is advisable to cook cuttlefish immediately after purchase. But if necessary, wrap it tightly plastic bag and store in the freezer.

Reflection in culture

Cuttlefish contains the most a large number of ink. For many centuries people used them for writing and as paint, which was called " sepia", derived from the scientific name of cuttlefish. Painters and artists greatly appreciated this paint for its extraordinary, pure brown tone.

Nowadays, modern industry produces chemical-based paints, but natural “ sepia» is still used in production.

calories

Cuttlefish meat is considered a delicacy, since its calorie content is only 79 kcal per 100 grams of product, and its nutritional value is superior to beef and pork. Regular consumption of cuttlefish meat helps to actively remove cholesterol and improve metabolism, and the fat of this mollusk has an antibacterial effect.

Nutritional value per 100 grams:

Useful properties of cuttlefish

Composition and presence of nutrients

Cuttlefish meat contains a large amount of vitamins and nutrients: omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, potassium, phosphorus, copper, iron, zinc, iodine, vitamins A, E, B6, B12, D and almost everything necessary for the body amino acids.

Cuttlefish meat improves metabolism, has an anti-inflammatory effect, reduces the amount of cholesterol in the blood and acts as a natural antibiotic.

Useful and healing properties

The microelements contained in cuttlefish meat have a positive effect on the human body. Potassium is involved in cleansing the gastrointestinal tract, regulates blood pressure, removes toxins and improves metabolism in tissues.

Iron, also included in the composition, significantly improves blood circulation. Zinc normalizes fat metabolism, and is also necessary for wound healing and better hair growth.

Indispensable for quality work brain and cardiovascular system and phosphorus. It is one of the main components of cells. Boosts immunity and takes Active participation in the structure of proteins there is copper, which is also part of cuttlefish meat.

Cuttlefish ink is used in homeopathic medicine. Sepia is a medicine based on shellfish liquid. Sepia is prescribed for the following diseases: displacement of the uterus, venous congestion in it, leucorrhoea accompanied by itching, constipation, hemorrhoids, gonorrhea, dyspepsia, rectal prolapse, migraine, eczema, bronchitis.

Also, cuttlefish ink is included in the composition of Klimakt Hel - a homeopathic medicine that is prescribed for disorders of the nervous system, deterioration of ovarian function, migraines, vegetative-vascular dystonia, sleep disorders, hot flashes.

In cooking

Proper preparation of cuttlefish means a lot. Since there is practically no opportunity to buy this shellfish fresh, you need to learn how to carefully handle its chilled or frozen tender meat. It is recommended to defrost cuttlefish in cold water. If you purchased an unpeeled shellfish, then after defrosting it you will need to clean it in the same way as a fresh one: throw away the bone, eyes, mouth and entrails. If the silver sac with ink remains, then it must be carefully removed, as the contents can still be used to prepare cuttlefish spaghetti or risotto. After cutting the cuttlefish, you need to wash the body and tentacles under running water.

To prepare appetizers or salads from cuttlefish, it is best to buy the meat of small shellfish, as it is more tender. And for spaghetti or soup, cuttlefish of 500 grams are suitable. It is better not to buy shellfish weighing more than 600 grams, because the meat will be very tough.

Before preparing the dish, you can pre-cook the cuttlefish or fry it.

Cuttlefish ink must be added to the dish before preparing it: carefully cut the bag and pour the contents into a saucepan or frying pan. It is best to use fresh cuttlefish ink to spice up the dish.

Dangerous properties of cuttlefish

A contraindication to eating cuttlefish meat is an allergy to seafood.

Want to see cuttlefish underwater? Very exciting and educational video.

Niramin - Dec 12th, 2016

Cuttlefish lives mainly in shallow waters in the tropical and subtropical seas of the Eastern Hemisphere. A huge number of these representatives of cephalopods is found in the Mediterranean Sea, where there are about 100 species.

The cuttlefish looks like a squid, while simultaneously resembling a stingray and an octopus. She has a flattened body with a border of fins on the sides and ten short tentacles with suction cups, which the animal can draw into special containers located on its head. With the help of tentacles, the cuttlefish hunts, throwing them out and sucking on the prey.

This marine creature is able to move with the help of fins, and also uses a jet method, thanks to the presence of a jet funnel.

Cuttlefish are distinguished by their developed nervous system and excellent vision. In addition, this representative of the cephalopods has numerous light-sensitive cells located on the surface of the body. Thanks to these cells, the cuttlefish is able to perfectly camouflage itself in environment and change its color literally in 1-2 seconds. In the event of a particular danger, it quickly swims away, leaving behind a dense cloud of ink.

Disguised, the cuttlefish hides from enemies, and at the same time quietly lies in wait for prey. Throwing sand on itself with the help of fins, this master of disguise lays down on the bottom, taking on its color and shape, and small marine inhabitants passing by risk getting caught in its tenacious tentacles. The cuttlefish does not always passively wait for its prey. Using her jet funnel, she swims slowly and erodes the bottom silt and sand, under which prey hides. In some cases, hunger makes this unhurried inhabitant of shallow water even chase after its prey.

The cuttlefish feeds on small inhabitants sea ​​spaces: shrimp, crustaceans, small fish, shellfish. Thanks to taste buds located on the tentacles, the cuttlefish first tastes its dish, determining whether it meets its gastronomic needs.

Interestingly, for many centuries, humanity has used cuttlefish ink for writing and drawing.

Photo: Cuttlefish shoots an ink bomb.

Photo: Painted cuttlefish is poisonous.



Photo: Australian giant cuttlefish.

Video: Cuttlefish (lat. Sepiida)

Video: Cuttlefish - a universal spy - octopus.

Video: Mating games of cuttlefish.wmv

Video: Cuttlefish. at the SEA AQUARIUM on Chistye Prudy

The cuttlefish belongs to the order of mollusks from the class of cephalopods. Mollusks are soft-bodied invertebrate animals, such as snails, oysters, and octopuses. And cephalopods are a class characterized by bilateral symmetry and the presence of 8, 10 or more tentacles around the head. They are highly organized animals and differ from other mollusks in their more advanced structure and complex behavior.

Appearance

This one has sea ​​creature the body is oval, slightly compressed. The main part is called the mantle, it is a skin-muscular pouch. The inner shell serves as a skeleton, protects the organs of the mollusk, and its cavities serve for fast swimming. On the head of the animal, fused with the body, there are large eyes and a beak-like outgrowth with which it grabs and crushes food. The mollusk also has eight tentacles with suckers, plus two front probes, which it uses when hunting.

The common cuttlefish is usually 20-35 centimeters long. There are individuals whose length is no more than two centimeters. Among these mollusks there are also giants, reaching a length of more than a meter. The average lifespan of these marine animals is 1-2 years. Their enemies in the water are dolphins, stingrays and sharks.

Characteristics

Cuttlefish are able to change the color of their body due to chromatophore cells, which are controlled by the brain. Mollusks use this ability for camouflage and to communicate with their relatives. These animals also have an ink sac, which is a capsule divided into two compartments. The first stores ready-made ink, the other stores the cells that produce them.

In case of danger, the animal throws ink out and creates a black cloud that hides it from enemies.

Nutrition and reproduction

These marine animals feed on fish, shrimp, shellfish, and crabs. The cuttlefish releases a stream of water from the siphon into the sand and, raising it, thus extracts small food. It catches large and hard prey with its tentacles and bites it with its beak. This marine mollusk lays small black eggs, after which the female dies. Newborns are physically fully formed and are able to use the ink sac.

Habitat

The cuttlefish lives in warm tropical and subtropical seas near the coasts of Eurasia and Africa. The best chance of meeting her is in the Mediterranean Sea and in Atlantic Ocean. Mollusks are most often found in shallow water; a sandy bottom is chosen. When a threat arises, they sink to the bottom and burrow into the sand with the help of their fins.

Main types

The most common types of shellfish are several.

• Common cuttlefish. It is brownish in color with all sorts of spots and stripes. It is caught for the purpose of eating.
• Pharaonova. In addition to the ability to camouflage, she is able to change color skin. This often happens when the mollusk is in an excited state.
• Painted. Her skin color not only shimmers with bright colors, but can also emit a neon glow. This is the most beautiful cuttlefish.
• Broad-armed. The largest cuttlefish is approximately 1.5 meters in length and weighs about 10 kilograms.
• Striped. Deadly poisonous animal. For the characteristic color this type also called pajama cuttlefish.

How are they used by people?

The meat of some types of cuttlefish is eaten because it contains Omega-6 and Omega-3 acids, vitamins, minerals and amino acids essential for human health. The inner shell, the so-called “cuttlefish bone,” is used to make jewelry, and the shell is a source of calcium for indoor birds. The ink produced by cuttlefish has been used by people as a dye since ancient times. This dark brown color is called sepia from the Latin spelling of the genus Sepia.

The ink of these mollusks is also used in homeopathic medicine.

Amazing Facts

Cuttlefish are very unusual animals. IN This can be seen in the following examples.

• The cuttlefish moves backwards. First, she draws water inside through a side slot and a special funnel (siphon), and then pushes out a stream of water and moves the back of her body forward.
• This mollusk has three hearts.
• The blood of these animals is blue-green due to the presence of the protein hemocyanin.
• The cuttlefish is called the "sea chameleon" because it can imitate the color, shape and texture of surrounding objects. These mollusks are even able to depict the movements of algae on their bodies.
• This is one of the smartest animals. Its brain is larger than that of other species of shellfish and fish. The cuttlefish has excellent memory and a developed nervous system.
• It is believed that in the Middle Ages she became the prototype of a mythical character called the “sea monk”, as she looks the part. People could mistake the fluttering robe of a large cuttlefish for the hood of a mystical monk.

The cuttlefish is an amazing creature of nature and an interesting object to observe. Anyone who has met these unusual creatures in the water element will agree with this. sea ​​mollusks. Currently, cuttlefish are even kept in aquariums at home, since observing their life is a very exciting activity.

You will find everything you need to know about cuttlefish in the following video.

What is a sea cuttlefish? Hearing this question, an image of some shapeless and incomprehensible animal immediately appears before your eyes. Although, perhaps knowledgeable people We wouldn’t talk about cuttlefish like that, because these animals can be incredibly beautiful, but they can’t be called shapeless at all. Cuttlefish belong to the class of cephalopods.

Appearance of cuttlefish

The body of the animal is elongated-oval and slightly flattened. The main part of the body is formed by the mantle. The role of the skeleton is played by the internal shell - and this is a feature inherent only to cuttlefish. The head and body are fused. The eyes are complex and are located on the head of the mollusk. There is also something like a beak on the cuttlefish’s head; this natural “device” greatly helps the mollusk in obtaining food. Like many cephalopods, the cuttlefish has an ink sac.

The broad-armed cuttlefish, or broad-armed sepia (Sepia latimanus) is the largest species of these animals.

The mollusk has eight legs called tentacles. And each such tentacle is literally studded with small suckers. There are fins on both sides of the body, with the help of which the animal makes swimming movements.

The animal's body size is relatively small for representatives of the cephalopod class. The average adult cuttlefish reaches a length of about 20 centimeters. There are larger cuttlefish, but these are only representatives of certain species.

A notable feature of these mollusks is the ability to change the color of their body. Just like a chameleon! This process in cuttlefish is possible due to chromatophore cells located on the skin.

Most known species cuttlefish are:

• Common cuttlefish;
• Wide-armed cuttlefish (this is the largest of all cuttlefish: its length is about 1.5 meters, and its weight is up to 10 kilograms);
• Painted cuttlefish (the most attractive among these molluscs, but poisonous);
• Striped cuttlefish (nicknamed the “pajama cuttlefish”, also very poisonous);
• Pharaoh cuttlefish.

Habitat of cuttlefish

The habitats of these mollusks are located in tropical and subtropical zones the seas washing the shores of Africa and Eurasia (parts of the so-called "Old World"). However, the striped cuttlefish was found even off the coast of Australia.

Lifestyle and behavior

Cuttlefish are solitary mollusks. And only in mating season they can be seen in groups. Occasionally, these animals are ready to migrate somewhere, but the majority live in one place all their lives.

These mollusks are very careful. They are quite easy to scare. They usually behave calmly and prefer leisurely movements under water. The depth of residence is shallow - these animals always try to stick to the coastline.

Scientists believe that cuttlefish are one of the most intelligent representatives of invertebrate animals.

What does cuttlefish eat?

On " dinner table“The cuttlefish gets everything that is smaller in size and lives in the water. The main food for these unusual animals are fish, crabs, shrimp, worms, and other shellfish.

Reproduction of cuttlefish

As for breeding offspring, cuttlefish have their own unique feature: they reproduce only once in their entire lives, after which they themselves die.

The mating season is very interesting. Individuals gather in entire flocks and choose their partners. Once the choice is made, it begins mating game. Males and females shimmer with all the colors of the rainbow, thus showing their mood and relationship to their partner. Male individuals gently stroke their “bride” with tentacles, seeking her favor.

Striped cuttlefish (Sepioloidea lineolata) - another deadly one poisonous species. It lives in the waters of Australia, due to its specific coloring English language it is also called pajama

With the help of the male's tentacles, male reproductive cells enter the female's body. After some time, eggs are laid (then the moment of fertilization also occurs). Egg clutches are attached to underwater plants and are often black in color. Once the spawning is over, the adult cuttlefish die.

Sea chameleon is another name for cuttlefish. And this name was not given to the mollusk by chance. Within 1-2 seconds, it is able to change its color to almost any color, and with any pattern. But this is not why it is useful for humans.

What is cuttlefish

Cuttlefish is a type of cephalopod, that is, it belongs to the same family as. Moreover, it is the most ancient representative of this family. Unlike other representatives of cephalopods, inside the cuttlefish there is a lamellar shell on the dorsal part of the carcass. On each of its ten tentacles there are a large number of suckers located in rows, which help the mollusk capture its prey. Sea chameleons feed on small fish and crustaceans. They preferably go hunting in the dark.

This mollusk is usually found in tropical and subtropical waters. Cuttlefish - prefer shallow waters in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans. You can often see these creatures off the coasts South Africa, Japan and Australia. Experts say there are over 100 varieties of cuttlefish. The most famous and most numerous among them is the pharaoh's sepia, which is found in the north of the Indian Ocean.

The cuttlefish is one of the most colorful creatures that inhabit the ocean waters. Several colors are combined on her body at once: brown on the dorsal part, light colors on the abdomen, greenish on the tentacles, purple on the fins. But depending on the environment, the color of the mollusk can change significantly.

Sea chameleons almost never grow larger than 50 cm, but they can weigh more than 10 kilograms. Although there are also very small representatives - no more than 2 cm.

Defending itself from enemies, this mollusk releases a dark-colored substance called ink. This brown liquid creates an impenetrable curtain in the water, allowing the cuttlefish to hide. By the way, this substance has been used by man since ancient times as paint or ink for writing.

Cuttlefish meat is a traditional component of Mediterranean and Asian cuisines. It tastes like squid or octopus, but more tender. It is rich in nutrients, but compared to other marine inhabitants, the body of a marine chameleon is more likely to absorb harmful substances from the water.

Chemical composition and nutritional value

Cuttlefish is an excellent source of protein, essential amino acids and minerals. 100 g of a raw product contains no more than 80 kilocalories (in a boiled one - about 160 kcal) and almost a quarter of the daily sodium intake.

Shellfish meat is a delicacy containing almost no carbohydrates and fats. But despite the extremely low proportion of fat in chemical composition, this product contains an impressive amount of essential fatty acids, in particular eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids. Thanks to this, cuttlefish is considered a product that is useful for the heart and blood vessels, in particular for the prevention of arrhythmias, clogged arteries, and high blood pressure.

Protein

As already mentioned, cuttlefish is a product extremely rich in proteins. 100 grams of meat contains almost 55 percent of the daily protein requirement. And this suggests that the seafood is an excellent source, necessary for the restoration and formation of cells. The meat of this mollusk contains all 9 essential amino acids in varying amounts.

Vitamins

Just one serving of cuttlefish contains more than 190% of the daily value of vitamin B12. This unique vitamin is indispensable for humans, as it is necessary for the creation of DNA cells, red blood cells, and also supports neurological health. In addition, the sea chameleon is a real storehouse of vitamin B2 (contains more than 100% of the daily value), which is responsible for the health of the skin and eyes, and also contributes to proper metabolism. Almost a quarter of your daily vitamin A intake can also be obtained from just a 100-gram serving of cuttlefish meat. And this nutrient is the main substance responsible for vision. In addition, sufficient consumption of vitamin A is important for the health of the skin, mucous membranes, bones and teeth. Possessing antioxidant properties, this vitamin found in seafood prevents heart disease, cell mutation, and also repairs damage caused by free radicals.

Minerals

Seafood – great choice to replenish minerals in the body. A serving of cuttlefish contains almost 140% of the daily value of selenium. This mineral, entering the body, as a result of certain chemical reactions combines with proteins to form selenoproteins - substances with powerful antioxidant abilities. Selenium, among other things, is essential for thyroid health and strengthening the immune system.

Another important mineral found in large quantities in cuttlefish meat is iron. This suggests that consuming seafood can improve oxygen circulation in the body and also support healthy cell growth.

Cholesterol

And the only disadvantage of cuttlefish meat is cholesterol. A serving of this product contains almost 63% of the daily value of cholesterol. But we must remind you that cholesterol in food is not always bad. This substance is necessary for the body to maintain healthy skin, regulate hormonal levels, produce digestive substances and synthesize. However, excessive consumption of foods rich in cholesterol can lead to fatty deposits in the arteries, which in turn impairs blood flow to the heart and brain, causing heart attacks or strokes.

The nutritional value per 100 g

	158 kcal
	32.48 g
	1.4 g
	1.4 g
	61.12 g
	224 mg
	0.11 mg
	8.5 mg
	0.017 mg
	1.73 mg
	2.19 mg
	0.9 mg
	0.27 mg
	24 mcg
	5.4 mcg
	180 mg
	10.84 mg
	60 mg
	580 mg
	637 mg
	744 mg
	3.46 mg
	0.998 mg
	0.209 mg
	89.6 mcg

Benefits for the body

Like all seafood, cuttlefish is an excellent source of protein. Thanks to this, consuming shellfish in moderate portions has a good effect on the condition of muscles, hair, nails, skin, and improves the overall functioning of the body. But the beneficial properties of the product do not end there.

It is useful to include cuttlefish in your diet for people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. And all because this product is rich in selenium. Research shows that this substance is most often lacking in the bodies of people with symptoms of the disease, and restoring the mineral balance improves their well-being.

Another useful property cuttlefish – reduce the frequency and duration of migraines. This ability of seafood is explained by the presence of vitamin B2, which is found in abundance in cuttlefish meat.

Due to the high concentration of phosphorus (in these indicators it is not inferior to fish and shrimp), cuttlefish are useful for strengthening bones and teeth.

This seafood is also listed as beneficial for preventing strokes and heart attacks. Vitamin B12 contained in cuttlefish reduces the level of homocysteine, which is actually a factor that increases the risk of these diseases.

Cuttlefish, as a source of vitamin B3, are also useful for regulating blood sugar levels. And thanks to the presence of zinc, this seafood is important for strengthening the immune system.

Other benefits of cuttlefish meat:

• removes toxins;
• improves metabolism;
• regulates blood pressure;
• improves blood circulation;
• accelerates fat metabolism;
• promotes faster healing of wounds;
• accelerates hair growth;
• promotes the proper functionality of brain cells;
• stabilizes the functioning of the cardiac system;
• strengthens the immune system.

Useful properties of ink

Cuttlefish ink is often called a superfood. As a result of several studies, it was found that this dark liquid contains many benefits for the cardiovascular system. In addition, ink is a good source of iron, which makes this product useful for increasing hemoglobin, improving oxygen circulation.

Cuttlefish ink is useful for treating:

• venous congestion;
• constipation;
• bile duct dispersion;
• migraine;
• bronchitis;
• eczema;
• hemorrhoids;
• disorders of the nervous system;
• ovarian dysfunction;
• vegetative-vascular dystonia;
• insomnia.

Useful properties of cuttlefish bone

The internal shell of cuttlefish also has some beneficial properties for humans. This bone is a porous plate resembling pumice. In Chinese medicine it is used to treat stomach and duodenal ulcers, as well as to stop bleeding and alleviate asthma.

Crushed bone is added to medicines to normalize stomach acidity and heal ulcers. In dentistry, this material is used to stop bleeding after tooth extraction. There is also reason to believe that this material can be used in traumatology, in particular for the treatment of bone diseases.

How to cook properly

The smaller the cuttlefish, the more tender its meat. Small cuttlefish are considered the most delicious. Shellfish up to 300 g are good to stew and add to main courses. But small ones are especially valued - up to 20 g. They are used to prepare salads, appetizers, small kebabs, and also added to pizza. Cuttlefish can be fried, stewed, baked, grilled, or added to soups or stews. Fried shellfish are often served as an appetizer, added to salads or pasta. In Mediterranean cuisine, boiled cuttlefish are seasoned with olive oil or deep-fried, and the ink of this mollusk is used for sauces, pasta dishes or risotto. But in Japan and China, this delicacy can be fried, baked, dried and even pickled. But if you give preference to fried seafood, you must be prepared for the fact that its calorie content, as well as the presence of cholesterol, will increase significantly.

Sea chameleons are a product that is important to properly cut and prepare. Inside each mollusk there is a sac filled with dark liquid. It is often used in cooking, to add color to sauces or. But if you accidentally puncture this bag, the ink will stain the carcass. Properly cooked shellfish remains white, and tastes like octopus or squid meat with a nutty flavor. Cook the cuttlefish for about half an hour over low heat. There are some secrets to frying cuttlefish: first with the tentacles facing up, then turn them over.

If you are going to cook frozen cuttlefish, you should first defrost it properly. To do this, the clam is poured cold water. After complete defrosting, you can begin cleaning. First, the bone, eyes, mouth and entrails are cut out. Then carefully separate the silver sac with ink. You can throw it away or use the brown liquid it contains to make spaghetti, risotto or another dish. The cleaned cuttlefish carcass is washed under running water and prepared using the chosen method.

Seafood is one of the healthiest food categories. Shellfish, including cuttlefish, are a source of many useful components. In addition, a person can get some of them exclusively from seafood.