Photo of cuttlefish. Cuttlefish, benefits and harm to human health Common cuttlefish

Nov-16-2016

What is cuttlefish

The medicinal cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) is a cephalopod of the family Sepiidae. Lives in Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, it can be 20-30 cm long, and the grasping arms reach the same length. The hands have 4 rows of suction cups. The color is variable - usually brownish on the back with light spots and stripes, slightly lighter on the belly, greenish on the arms, purple on the fins. Used for food. The shell, (the so-called os sepiae) cuttlefish bone, or canary foam in the old days was used in medicine, now it serves only for polishing and is hung in the cage of indoor birds to clean the beak. Prepared from the ink sac liquid brown paint(sepia).

Wikipedia

What is cuttlefish, the benefits and harms of cuttlefish are of great interest to people who conduct healthy image life, monitor their health, and are interested in traditional methods treatment. So we will try to answer questions that interest this category of people.

The cuttlefish belongs to an ancient genus of animals from the class cephalopods. And what is this beautiful name called explicitly ugly people– on the conscience of those who use this word for other purposes. The cuttlefish lives in the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans, off the coast of Japan, Australia and South Africa. It feeds on small fish and crustaceans.

Cuttlefish are small (2 cm), small (25 cm) and large (up to 15 m). The cuttlefish's eyes are small but sharp, at least compared to the vision of other mollusks.

The ten tentacles have many suckers, which are arranged in rows. They are used to capture food.

The cuttlefish protects itself with the help of a released liquid - the so-called ink. When the cuttlefish releases them, a continuous curtain is formed, and under its cover it flees from its pursuers. And her enemies are noble: shark, stingray, dolphin. The ink shade is surprisingly pleasant brown. They were used for writing and paints (“sepia”).

Benefits of cuttlefish

The calorie content of cuttlefish is only 79 kcal.

Particularly popular is the fat (0.7 g%) of cuttlefish. It is known as a unique natural antibiotic.
Proteins in 100 g of cuttlefish are 16, 24 g, carbohydrates are 0.8 g.
It contains a lot of potassium (354 mg), phosphorus (387 mg).
Cuttlefish meat is especially valued due to the presence of zinc (1.73 mg), selenium (44.8 mcg) and copper (587 mcg).
The presence of copper in cuttlefish meat increases the healing effect on the body. Copper is an antiseptic and astringent. Cuttlefish meat is beneficial for diabetes, and copper plays an important role here.

Research on the antimicrobial effects of copper and silver is very interesting. Microorganisms die if only traces of silver and copper are present in the solution. Copper itself plays a key role in metabolism and is part of enzymes, without which life is generally impossible. Biologists call copper “the metal of life.” The copper in the product is absorbed into the intestines and absorbed by the liver, from there it returns to the blood and enters the organs. The WHO recommends consuming 1.5 mg of copper per day, and there are few foods that contain large amounts of it. These are mainly champignons, liver, potatoes. Oysters and cuttlefish occupy one of the honorable places on this list.

Cuttlefish meat is a prophylactic for cardiovascular system.
Its use reduces the risk of myocardial infarction and obesity.
Cuttlefish meat improves metabolism and reduces excess cholesterol in the blood. There is plenty of cholesterol in cuttlefish itself, but this does not at all affect its level in the blood when it is normal. And the amino acids in cuttlefish meat successfully remove “foreign” cholesterol.
The use of cuttlefish meat in the diet is also important for improving immunity.

How to clean cuttlefish

Fresh cuttlefish is cut lengthwise, the bone located in the middle of the cuttlefish, the insides, eyes, beak, and mouth are thrown away.

The ink bag is carefully removed, being careful not to tear it.

The cuttlefish and its tentacles, which were separated during cutting, are washed in cold water. It is also better to remove the skin, especially if you use the shellfish for making salads.

Attention! Before cutting cuttlefish, you should wear gloves, as if the ink bag ruptures, your hands will turn black.

If the cuttlefish is frozen but not cleaned, it must first be thawed in the refrigerator. After defrosting this shellfish, it is cleaned in the same way as fresh.

The easiest way is to buy already cleaned cuttlefish - and always a small one, no more than 500 g, or better yet, a very small one.

Cuttlefish over half a kilogram are unlikely to please you, they are very tough.

Beneficial properties of cuttlefish ink

Cuttlefish ink is used in the preparation of rice, risotto, and pasta. However, we use them not only for food, but also for health.

They are introduced into medicines for the treatment of hemorrhoids, diarrhea, bronchitis, eczema, gynecological diseases.
They help with loss of strength, throbbing headaches, nervous disorders, anxiety, irritability, tearfulness, hysteria.

Homeopaths use ink to treat vegetative-vascular dystonia, sleep disorders, and during menopause.

Ink is no less valuable in cooking. Adding them gives the dish (especially bread, pasta, rice) light brown shade “serpia” (the word “sepia” itself is translated from ancient Greek and means “cuttlefish”).

Attention!

Cuttlefish ink adds a “sea flavor” to any dish.

Therefore, they are incompatible with meat and poultry dishes. It is better not to use them if you plan to drink beer during or after the meal.

By purchasing frozen cuttlefish, you can obtain this ink yourself. Just keep in mind that they curl when frozen, so it’s better to dilute them before using a small amount hot water(a few drops of boiling water per tablespoon of ink).

But in supermarkets you can also buy them as a separate product - just read the label carefully: the composition should not contain anything other than cuttlefish ink and salt. If any other additives are mentioned, then you will only buy a flavored dye, the health value of which, at best, will be zero.

The amount of ink needed for a dish varies with each cook. I usually use one teaspoon to one tablespoon per dish - when cooking rice and pasta.

Ink is usually added to side dishes at the very end of cooking so that the flavor does not dissipate.

Ink is introduced into flour products at the time of kneading the dough. If the dough is yeast, then before the last kneading (after that it should rise again). There is almost no aroma left, but the color is very beautiful. I add it to the dough for pies with fish, cabbage and vegetables.

It is better not to add it to sweet dishes - the taste will be too specific.

How to cook cuttlefish

Place the defrosted cuttlefish in salted boiling water. Before cooking, cuttlefish can be cut into small longitudinal strips or rings. If the clam is small, cook it for 20–30 minutes.

Remove the cooked cuttlefish from the boiling water and cook from it whatever your heart desires: soup, risotto, stew, fry, make minced meat.

In addition, cuttlefish meat is dried and pickled.

Harm to cuttlefish

The main limitation is the availability allergic reactions for seafood. People who are prone to allergies should not include dishes made from cuttlefish meat in their diet.

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 are a type of cephalopod, meaning they belong to the same family as squid and octopus. 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 rows of large number suckers that 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 water in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. You can often see these creatures off the coasts of 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. Its body combines several colors 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.

To protect 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 very substance has been used by humans 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 life, the sea chameleon's body 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. In 100 g raw product contains no more than 80 kilocalories (boiled - about 160 kcal) and almost a quarter of daily norm sodium

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 omega-3 fatty acids, in particular eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. Thanks to this, cuttlefish is considered a product that is beneficial for the heart and blood vessels, in particular for the prevention of arrhythmia, 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. This suggests that seafood is an excellent source of amino acids necessary for the restoration and formation of cells. In the meat of this mollusk different quantities contains all 9 essential amino acids.

Vitamins

Just one serving of cuttlefish contains more than 190% of the daily value of vitamin B12. This unique vitamin is essential 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 promotes proper metabolism. Almost a quarter of your daily dose of vitamin A can also be obtained from just 100 grams of cuttlefish meat. And this nutrient is the main substance responsible for vision. In addition, sufficient intake 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 cuttlefish meat is large quantities, 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, the production of digestive enzymes and the synthesis of vitamin D. 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.

Nutritional value per 100 g

Calorie content	158 kcal
Squirrels	32.48 g
Fats	1.4 g
Carbohydrates	1.4 g
Water	61.12 g
Cholesterol	224 mg
Vitamin A	0.11 mg
Vitamin C	8.5 mg
Vitamin B1	0.017 mg
Vitamin B2	1.73 mg
Vitamin B3	2.19 mg
Vitamin B5	0.9 mg
Vitamin B6	0.27 mg
Vitamin B9	24 mcg
Vitamin B12	5.4 mcg
Calcium	180 mg
Iron	10.84 mg
Magnesium	60 mg
Phosphorus	580 mg
Potassium	637 mg
Sodium	744 mg
Zinc	3.46 mg
Copper	0.998 mg
Manganese	0.209 mg
Selenium	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.

One more thing 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. Several studies have found that this dark liquid contains many antioxidants that are beneficial 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;
migraines;
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. Her in Chinese medicine 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. It is good to stew shellfish up to 300 g and add them 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 with beer, added to salads or pasta. In Mediterranean cuisine, boiled cuttlefish are seasoned 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 rice. 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 most useful categories food. Shellfish, including cuttlefish, are a source of many useful components. In addition, a person can get some of them exclusively from seafood.

Niramin - Dec 12th, 2016

The cuttlefish lives primarily in shallow waters in the tropical and subtropical seas of the eastern hemisphere. A huge number of these cephalopods are 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. It has a flattened body with a border of fins on the sides and ten short tentacles with suction cups, which the animal can retract into special containers located on the head. With the help of tentacles, the cuttlefish hunts, throwing them out and sucking on the prey.

This sea 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 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 case of special danger, it quickly floats away, leaving behind a dense cloud of ink.

By camouflaging itself, the cuttlefish hides from enemies, and at the same time quietly lies in wait for prey. Throwing sand onto itself with the help of fins, this master of camouflage lies on the bottom, taking on its color and shape, and the small ones floating by sea creatures risk falling into its tenacious tentacles. The cuttlefish does not always passively wait for its prey. Using its jet funnel, it slowly swims and erodes the bottom silt and sand under which the prey is hidden. In some cases, hunger forces this leisurely inhabitant of shallow waters to even chase its prey.

The cuttlefish feeds on small inhabitants of the sea: shrimp, crustaceans, small fish, and mollusks. 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 cuttlefish.wmv

Video: Cuttlefish. at the SEA AQUARIUM on Chistye Prudy

In the minds of most people, cuttlefish are associated with something shapeless and ugly, and all because many people don’t even know what they look like. In fact, these animals can be safely called attractive. Cuttlefish are cephalopods and are related to octopuses and squids. There are about 100 of their species in the world, classified into the order of the same name.

Common cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis).

There are many cuttlefish in their structure common features with other cephalopods. Just like octopuses, their body is formed by a skin-muscular sac - the mantle. But unlike their fellow cuttlefish, they have an elongated oval shape, slightly flattened, but unchanged (octopuses, as is known, easily squeeze into narrow crevices). Their head is closely fused with the body, and large eyes stand out on it. They have complex structure and a slit pupil. On the front of the head there is a kind of beak, which cuttlefish use to crush food. But it is impossible to see it under normal conditions, since it is hidden between the tentacles. In total, cuttlefish have eight arm tentacles and two more special hunting tentacles, all of which are studded with suckers. When at rest, the arms of these animals are folded together and extended forward, which gives their body a streamlined appearance. The hunting tentacles are hidden in special pockets under the eyes; they “shoot” from there only at the moment of attack. Cuttlefish have fins on the sides of the body, elongated in the form of a border. They are the main means of transportation. Pushing water out of a siphon, as octopuses do, is also practiced by these animals, but serves only additional way acceleration.

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

A unique feature of cuttlefish is their internal shell, which replaces their skeleton. The shell looks more like a plate with internal cavities rather than a shell. It is located inside the body on the dorsal side and protects internal organs, and the cavities reduce weight and add buoyancy. Other internal organs are arranged in cuttlefish in the same way as in other cephalopods. They also have an ink sac, which produces a record amount of ink among cephalopods. Outwardly, males and females look the same, but in males one of the tentacles takes on a special shape and is used for fertilization.

A broad-armed cuttlefish that has changed color to orange.

The coloring of these animals is extremely diverse. Just like octopuses, cuttlefish can change color using chromatophore cells in their skin. Cells are filled with pigments different colors and with the help of special muscles they can contract or stretch. The control of chromatophores is subordinated to the brain and is of a conscious nature. In other words, cuttlefish change color deliberately and at will, but does it so quickly that it seems that this process occurs automatically. In terms of the variety of colors, the complexity of the pattern and the speed of its change, these animals have no equal. In the sea, cuttlefish literally resemble a teletype; their body, like a mirror, reflects everything that surrounds the cuttlefish. In addition, some species can luminesce. This color change is used for camouflage and... communication. Drawings of a certain shape carry information for fellow tribesmen. In general, cuttlefish are among the most intelligent invertebrates.

This cuttlefish not only donned a soft pink outfit, but was also covered in blue luminescent spots.

Among cephalopods, they stand out for their relatively small size. The largest species, the broad-armed sepia, reaches a length of 1.5 m (including arms) and weighs up to 10 kg. But most species are much more modest, their length reaches 20 cm. Several small species do not exceed 1.8-2 cm in length! They are the smallest cephalopods in the world.

One of the most striking species is the painted cuttlefish (Metasepia pfefferi) from the Indo-Malayan region. In addition to its bright coloring, this species is also distinguished by its toxicity, which is generally unusual for these animals.

Cuttlefish live exclusively in the shallow waters of tropical and subtropical seas of the Old World. They live alone, less often in small flocks, and only during the breeding season do they form large aggregations. At the same time, they can migrate, although they usually lead sedentary image life. Usually cuttlefish swim leisurely at a low altitude above the bottom; when they see prey, they freeze for a second, and then quickly overtake the victim. In case of danger, they, on the contrary, try to lie to the bottom, while using the movements of their fins to cover themselves with sand. By nature, these animals are very cautious and timid. Cuttlefish are rather friendly towards their relatives. Nevertheless, they sometimes exhibit cannibalism: large individuals can eat young relatives. But this phenomenon is explained not so much by an aggressive disposition as by food indiscriminateness.

The cuttlefish camouflaged itself at the bottom with sand.

Cuttlefish feed on literally everything that moves and does not exceed their size. They can eat various fish, shrimp, crabs, shellfish, and worms. If cuttlefish for a long time unsuccessfully lies in wait for prey, it can increase the effectiveness of the hunt by blowing a stream of water into the sand from its siphon. At the same time, the soil is agitated, and the cuttlefish catches small animals washed away by the stream. Cuttlefish swallow small animals without difficulty, but cut large ones with their beaks. Its strength is such that a cuttlefish can effortlessly crush the shell of a crab or the skull of a fish equal in size to it.

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

Cuttlefish reproduce once in their lifetime. Adult individuals migrate to convenient places for laying eggs, along the way flocking into flocks of several hundred and thousands of individuals. In these flocks, complex relationships are established between them. Members of the pack no longer just tolerate each other, but also actively communicate using changeable colors. During this period, only males show aggression towards each other, but the weakest of them sometimes disguise themselves as females in order to penetrate the center of the group. Males treat females with reverent tenderness. Although breeding occurs in groups, as a rule, each male pays attention to one chosen one. He swims next to her and then starts stroking her with his tentacles. Both animals flash with bright colors.

A male cuttlefish strokes a female with his tentacles during courtship at the Georgia Aquarium in the USA.

Males transfer sperm to females with modified tentacles, and fertilization occurs later, when eggs are laid. Cuttlefish eggs look like bunches of grapes, are mostly black and are attached to underwater vegetation. After spawning, adults die. Young cuttlefish are born fully formed, with an internal shell and an ink sac. They can use ink from the first seconds of life. They grow quickly, but live relatively short lives - only 1-2 years.

A clutch of cuttlefish attached to algae.

In nature, cuttlefish have many enemies. Although these animals skillfully defend themselves by resorting to camouflage and launching ink bombs at their pursuers, their relatively low speed of movement makes them vulnerable to predators. Most often, cuttlefish are eaten by sharks, dolphins and stingrays. Since ancient times, people have also hunted them. Cuttlefish are renowned for the excellent flavor of their meat and feature prominently in Mediterranean and Chinese cuisine. Their shells, in crushed form, are included in some toothpastes. But the contribution of cuttlefish to the development of human civilization is not limited to this. People also owe countless masterpieces of art and writing to cuttlefish. It was the ink liquid of cuttlefish that was used in the old days for writing. When diluted, it was used to prepare a special paint for painters - sepia (this word itself is the name of cuttlefish in many European languages). Cuttlefish - interesting object for aquarists, but they are not easy to maintain. The timidity of these animals leads to the fact that they release ink into the water for any reason and make the water in the aquarium completely opaque. Over time, cuttlefish get used to their owner, stop being afraid of him and even recognize him when they swim closer.

A pharaoh cuttlefish (Sepia pharaonis) tries to escape from a scuba diver by releasing an ink bomb.

In the form of a wide plate, occupying almost the entire dorsal side of the body. The oval body is bordered on both sides by a fin in the form of a narrow bony fringe stretching along the entire body. Only at the rear end of the body are the left and right fins separated. The grasping arms are long, retracted entirely into special sac-like pits; the rest of the arms are short. Funnel with valve. Fourth left hand in males it is hectocotylated at the base (that is, it differs in structure and serves for fertilization purposes).

To the family Sepia belongs to about 30 modern species living mostly in warm seas, near the coast. Several fossil species are known from the Jurassic and Tertiary deposits. Cuttlefish can swim, but usually stay at the bottom, lying in wait for their prey, which consists of fish and crustaceans.

Common cuttlefish

The common cuttlefish, (Sepia officinalis L.) lives in the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, is 20-30 cm long, and the grasping arms reach the same length. The hands have 4 rows of suction cups. The color is variable - usually brownish on the back with light spots and stripes, slightly lighter on the belly, greenish on the arms, purple on the fins. Used for food. Sink, (so-called os sepiae) cuttlefish bone, or canary foam, was used in medicine in ancient times, now it is used only for polishing and is hung in the cage of indoor birds to clean the beak. Brown paint (sepia) is prepared from the liquid in the ink sac.

Perhaps the ten-tentacled black cuttlefish served as the “prototype” for the famous “sea monk” of the Middle Ages. The compiler of the Encyclopedia of Superstitions and Magic, A. Lehmann, believes that the usual subconscious desire to see the familiar in the unknown played a role in this. A cuttlefish lying belly down with its tentacles tucked in could indeed seem from a distance to resemble a monk with fish tail. The imagination completed the drawing of the scaled, toothy mouth - and another monster created by the human imagination was born.

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Synonyms:

Karakary-karanchi
Karakau Alexander Alexandrovich

See what “Cuttlefish” is in other dictionaries:

cuttlefish- sepia, scarecrow, scarecrow, ugly, scarecrow, scarecrow, freak, decapoda, mug, cephalopod, mug, mymra, freak, image, monster, Baba Yaga, toad, kikimora, mollusk, muzzle, scarier nuclear war Dictionary of Russian synonyms. cuttlefish see freak 1… … Dictionary of synonyms

CUTTLEFISH- female sea slug, slug, Sepla; pharmaceutical cuttlefish. S. officinalis; ink cuttlefish. S. octopus. Karakatitsyn, which belongs to her. Cuttlefish, related to her Dictionary Dalia. V.I. Dahl. 1863 1866 … Dahl's Explanatory Dictionary

CUTTLEFISH- 1) a genus of cephalopods, bibranch mollusks, suborder decapods, from which brown sepia paint is obtained (see). 2) a short, clumsy person. Dictionary foreign words, included in the Russian language. Chudinov A.N., 1910. Cuttlefish... ... Dictionary of foreign words of the Russian language

Cuttlefish- (foreign bran.) tiny in stature (proper cuttlefish, sea slug). Wed. Well, at least let your cuttlefish (dwarf), let them at least walk together with Nikolasha (dwarf) in front of the house. Leskov. Old years in the village of Plodomasov. 3, 5… Michelson's Large Explanatory and Phraseological Dictionary (original spelling)

cuttlefish- CUTTLE, sepia... Dictionary-thesaurus of synonyms of Russian speech

CUTTLEFISH- CUTTLE, cuttlefish, female. 1. Little mobile sea clam with short tentacles and a sac that throws out sepia (zool.). 2. transfer A person or animal with crooked and clumsy legs or paws placed apart (colloquial disdainful). Intelligent... ... Ushakov's Explanatory Dictionary

CUTTLEFISH- Cuttlefish, s. 1. female A cephalopod that produces a brown sepia color. 2. trans., male and wives About a short-legged, clumsy person (colloquial). Ozhegov's explanatory dictionary. S.I. Ozhegov, N.Yu. Shvedova. 1949 1992 … Ozhegov's Explanatory Dictionary

Cuttlefish- (Sepia) a genus of animals from the class of cephalopods (Cephalopoda) of the order Dibranchiata, suborder Decapoda, from the family. Myopsidae. They differ from all modern cephalopods by the presence of a peculiar calcareous internal... Encyclopedia of Brockhaus and Efron

Cuttlefish- (Sepia) a genus of cephalopod mollusks of the order Decapods. The body is oblong (length up to 25 cm), flattened; there are fins on the sides. The “hands” are equipped with suction cups; the two longer "arms" are flared at the ends and are used for catching prey. Sink … Great Soviet Encyclopedia

cuttlefish- Original. Explained as suf. derivative, similar to noun. type woodlice, from the lost short-legged “legged” (cf. belly), formed with the help of suf. at, from korok “leg” (see ham). Cuttlefish cuttlefish as a result of fixing acaña... Etymological Dictionary of the Russian Language

Books

Unsurpassed. Sleeping Cuttlefish, Panov Vadim Yurievich. There was no place in the oceans of Charm more terrible than the island of Sleeping Cuttlefish. And there was no sailor who would agree to go to the Sea of Mercilessness. It wasn’t until the famous pirate...