Whyalla's Cuttlefish: Andrew McLeod visits the Eyre Peninsula on the West Coast of South Australia

It was a beautiful day - perfect for diving but I must admit I was a little nervous as we headed out on a charter with Whyalla Diving Services. But a friendly welcome from a local dolphin and her two-week-old newborn baby soon had me in the mood to explore this part of Spencer Gulf a little more.

My diving buddies for the day, Rod Hayles and David Jaensch know this area well and as we headed out into the open water Whyalla's importance to the State becomes clear. The iron ore pellet plant and One-Steel's blast furnace dominate the shoreline.

"They say it's where the desert meets the sea," said David. "It's actually a very beautiful place in its own right."

When cruising across the Gulf we come across a pod of dolphins. Perhaps they're feeding on cuttlefish and hopefully there's nothing out here to feed on us as we prepare our gear.

Soon we're in the water at a place called Black Point where Dave and I are the aliens in an environment that not even George Lucas of Star Wars fame could have imagined.

There's a dream-like quality to this underwater world, which - between May and August each year - is invaded by Australian Giant Cuttlefish. Up to one hundred and seventy thousand cuttlefish come to spawn in this part of the gulf at a small eight-kilometre stretch of reef.

It is world famous among divers who come to see the annual mating ritual. And when the big love-in is over the males keep tabs on their mates and try to shoo us away.

I've seen some courageous characters on the football field but these guys, when faced with something ten times their size will try to stand their ground.

And if that doesn't work their skin will strobe with waves of colour. It's an impressive show designed to frighten away their enemies.

"They remind me of a triple swirl Billabong ice cream - that's the colour I reckon."

After a quick breather, I'm down again to marvel at an amazing creature that has three hearts, eight short arms and two long tentacles. Like I said - something straight from a science fiction movie. But when you get up close you realise just how truly beautiful these creatures are.

And if you watch them carefully you notice how they change colour from iridescent blues to subtle pinks and purples.

Not only do they change complexion they can also sculpt their bodies to blend in with their surroundings.

"It was awesome, unbelievable. They are very protective. I got up pretty close to a male that was protecting a hole that his mate was sitting in. It was pretty awesome to get up so close and be able to touch a couple.

"They are awesome looking creatures. As Dave calls them - the puppy dogs of the sea."

It's an incredible show put on each year off the coast of Whyalla.

"They come here to lay their eggs because of the protection in this environment," said David. "As far as we know there's no other place where they come in such big numbers to do what they do here. It's a very unique environment and it's right on our doorstep.

A few years ago the cuttlefish were nearly fished out in this area and that would have been a disaster. But now all this has been declared a marine reserve and after what I've seen I reckon that's a great idea.

Whyalla Diving Services run regular charters during the cuttlefish migration. You can contact them on 8645 8050. If you have any further questions please email info@postcards-sa.com.au

For great images of the Australian Giant Cuttlefish and other local marine life visit Abyss Pictures

Australian Giant Cuttlefish Migration May to August

Whyalla Diving Services
33 Playford Ave
Whyalla
Phone (08) 8645 8050