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Kings of Camouflage
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Program Overview
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NOVA explores the behavior and intelligence of the cuttlefish.
The program:
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explains that cuttlefish are not fish at all, but rather
mollusks that, along with the octopus and squid, belong to the
cephalopod group.
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explains how specialized layers of pigmented skin cells allow
the cuttlefish to produce colors and patterns in its skin.
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follows researchers who dive in Indonesian waters to try to
determine what triggers the broad-clubbed cuttlefish to display
mesmerizing light changes.
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reveals that while cuttlefish have one of the biggest
brain-to-body ratios of any invertebrate, scientists are just
beginning to discover how intelligent they are.
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shows the mating behaviors of giant cuttlefish in southern
Australian waters, in which smaller males trick larger males by
transforming their skin and body shape so they look like
females; disguised, they slip by big males and are able to
mate—sometimes successfully—with the females.
features cuttlefish mating and egg-laying rituals. -
presents how one researcher is using mazes to test cuttlefish
intelligence.
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follows researchers who discover that the flamboyant cuttlefish,
the only walking cuttlefish known to exist, contains an unknown
toxin.
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notes that cuttlefish can swim because of an internal
cuttlebone—hence their name—that has small air gaps
to help the cuttlefish float.
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speculates that the flamboyant cuttlefish could represent an
evolutionary step for the cuttlefish species.
Taping Rights: Can be used up to one year after the program
is taped off the air.
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