12:40 16 June 2011
Capable of navigating mazes, using tools and solving problems, the cephalopods are the world's most intelligent invertebrates. They also have a few survival tricks up their tentacles. Changing colour, mimicking other species and bioluminescence all come naturally to this impressive bunch.
Read more: "Eight arms, big brain: What makes cephalopods clever"
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As well as being able to rapidly change colour, cuttlefish can also change the texture of their mantle. Their skin contains papillae, bundles of muscles that alter the skin's surface, switching it from smooth to spiky.
Using reflecting plates called leucophores and iridophores, the broadclub cuttlefish (Sepia latimanus
) and others can adjust how light is reflected off their skin, distorting light or producing an iridescent reflection. As well as assisting with defence and disguise, these techniques may be used for communication.
(Image: Georgette Douwma/Nature Picture Library/Rex Features)