Cuttlefish have a fascinating mating ritual! The male cuttlefish will display vibrant colors and patterns on his body to attract a female. He also uses specialized skin cells to change his appearance rapidly, creating mesmerizing visual displays. Once the female is interested, the male will swim close to her and extend a specialized arm called a hectocotylus, which is used to transfer sperm packets into the female's mantle cavity. The female then stores the sperm until she is ready to lay her eggs. She will find a safe hiding spot to lay hundreds of small, gelatinous eggs, which she attaches to seaweed or other surfaces. After laying the eggs, the female leaves the eggs to hatch on their own, as cuttlefish do not provide parental care. 🌊🐙