If
you're what marine biologist Roger Hanlon calls "a yummy hunk of
protein swimming in the ocean"—unprotected by a hard shell, prickly
spines, or other armor—being able to change your looks in an instant and
blend into your surroundings is an invaluable trait. Hanlon and other
biologists think the ancient predecessors of modern cuttlefish may have evolved
the ability to alter the colors, patterns, and even textures of their skin
because such tricks kept them hidden from predators. Today, however, various
species of cuttlefish use their powers of transformation for more than just
camouflage. In this slide show, see cuttlefish caught in a variety of acts of
quick-change artistry.—Susan K. Lewis
