Australian Giant Cuttlefish Migration: Andrew McLeod visits Whyalla to see all the action in the Eyre Penisula region of South Australia
It's that time of year again when something quite remarkable happens off the South Australian coastline.
Back in 2005 I set off from the Whyalla boat ramp with a couple of blokes from Whyalla Diving Services for a close encounter with a creature you'd be forgiven for thinking had come straight from the set of Star Wars. From now until August the Australian Giant Cuttlefish is invading the waters off Whyalla.
There's a dream-like quality to the underwater world as up to 170-thousand cuttlefish come to spawn at a small eight-kilometre stretch of reef in Spencer Gulf.
For me a dive trip Black Point in Spencer Gulf was one of the most remarkable encounters with the animal they call the "chameleon of the sea". It got its name because of its amazing ability to change colour.
The Australian Giant Cuttlefish are at Black Point and Point Lowly near Whyalla in numbers and their life story reads like something from science fiction. Don't take my word for it. Tony Bramley from Whyalla Diving Services has been studying these creatures for more than twenty-five years.
"I've been diving here since 1980," said Tony. "We didn't realise how special the aggregation was here and it wasn't until 1997 when they started to fish for them commercially and they started to disappear that we got concerned about it and realised what we had here and started lobbying the government to close the fishery."
Thankfully by 1998 the area and the cuttlefish that come here to spawn were protected.
"As far as we know this is the only spot that they have been observed in anything like these numbers as an aggregation. In most of it's range the animal has been observed as a solitary animal. It finds a den or a cave and holds up there and waits for a female to come along."
From May to August the cuttlefish come here in their thousands. Marine biologists believe it has something to do with the rocky ledges hidden below the water line. They provide a secure environment for these frisky little critters and provide plenty of cover for the eggs deposited here.
"They can grow over five kilograms so they are a pretty large animal. A lot of people don't realise cuttlefish are a top line predator in their own right. Pretty much anything smaller than them is history if they get a hold of it.
"It's been recorded that it's got three hearts and green and blue blood. Their ability to camouflage themselves, change texture and use ink for defence is amazing."
The mass invasion of Australian Giant Cuttlefish in part of Spencer Gulf is well and truly underway and will continue until late August. If you want to see them close up contact Tony Bramley at Whyalla Diving Services on 8645 8050. If you have any further questions please email info@postcards-sa.com.au
Australian Giant Cuttlefish Migration May to August
Whyalla Diving Services
33 Playford Ave
Whyalla
Ph 8645 8050Published 20th May 2007
