Mr Fabulous was the name bestowed upon him. He was a giant cuttlefish (scientific name Sepia apama) and he was the king of Cabbage Tree Bay. This huge, alien-looking cephalopod had attracted many visitors to the small marine reserve at Sydney’s Manly beach; they were enthralled by his flashing rainbow colours and flamboyant tentacles.
He measured about 1 metre in length, and he did not mind posing for an underwater camera, or 10. There were sometimes other smaller cuttlefish around, but none of his size or vibrancy. His image is all over Instagram and he even featured in the pic of the week competition of a national news site. Mr Fabulous was a legend.
Unfortunately, the good life didn’t last, and he was found dead this month. His headless corpse appeared to have been attacked by another ocean animal. Dolphins were seen in the vicinity, and they are known to prey on giant cuttlefish. There has been much sadness on social media and there is no doubt that this underwater creature has been a muse, a delight and an inspiration. He’s also been community glue, catalysing friendships (“Did you see him?”), ocean conservation efforts and joint purpose.
The giant cuttlefish, native to Australia, is the world’s largest variety of cuttlefish. Divers can find them all year round in Sydney but most of the time they are quiet and camouflaged. As winter approaches, breeding time is upon us. The males give their chromatophores a workout and put on a dazzling disco of coloured displays to attract females. Sometimes they even pretend to be females, so they can look less threatening and wait until a quiet moment to take their chances with the actual females. As far as underwater sights go, nothing beats watching two males compete for a female – colour, movement and living art. They are short-lived creatures, like their cousin the octopus. They usually only live for one or two years and may only have one breeding season to establish a genetic lineage.
The winter cuttlefish season is eagerly anticipated in Sydney and the first sighting is always met with excitement. Location details are shared and photos enjoyed. It’s a reason to talk to people and to jump into the cold ocean water. I’ve had the pleasure of being with people as they’ve had their first cuttlefish experience and it is always memorable and thrilling. Wildlife has intrinsic worth but it also markedly enhances human lives.
This large male cuttlefish is just one example of a charismatic species who has captured a community. Stumpy the smooth stingray at Western Australia’s Hamelin Bay was the friendliest ray in the bay, allowing himself to be stroked by children. Stumpy had no tail so posed no risk to humans. But Stumpy was killed by fishers in front of local children. At that time only empathy prevented smooth stingrays from being taken by spear or line. His death and the uproar that followed inspired significant new marine conservation laws which protect black and smooth stingrays along the West Australian coast. Once a wild animal attains a name and a following, it’s easier to recognise its individual worth.
For our cuttlefish friend Mr Fabulous, we will now grieve gently, recognising the old adage that “nature is red in tooth and claw” and hoping that he had a chance to pass on his spectacular genes earlier in the breeding season. We will start looking for new cuttlefish, and enjoy their unique beauty and vibrance. We will benefit from human relationships forged over animal sightings and precious images. We will understand that being able to spend time with animals prompts us to care about them and their habitats. And we will remember again how much animals and wildlife enhance human lives, just by allowing us to be a part of theirs.
• Kate Ahmad is a neurologist and diver with an interest in human and animal behaviour and conservation
