the Flamboyant Cuttlefish- Print Club Prep

It has been a slower start to the year than I would like to admit. Things have been going awry and wonky all over the place. Our plumbing busted, our machines at my part-time job broke, and I have been an emotional mess. Finally, though, I was able to complete this month’s print.

A flamboyant cuttlefish swimming in a blue tank.

Admittedly, this month I created the print digitally, with the goal of recreating the look of a physical printed block. This did disappoint my art-making spirit, as digital art has been hit or miss for a creatively fulfilling project. That being said, I am satisfied with the illustration of the flamboyant cuddlefish! I debated adding color in because these beauties are extremely vibrant, but decided to stick with the minimal black-and-white scheme.

An illustration of a cuttlefish with two plants and a ruler.

Let’s talk about this creature for a second.

Firstly, the flamboyant cuttlefish specifically is poisonous (lethal!) if consumed. I don’t know why anyone would eat them, and to be clear they are not venomous like the blue-ringed octopus. Maybe stay clear, either way.

Secondly, they mate by touching face tentacles. My jaw dropped when I learned this, and I don’t really know how to react or what to say about that.

Third, They only are three inches long and yes, can change color like other cuttlefish. Usually, it appears that they are bright purple and yellow with bumps that make it appear more threatening.

There are your fun facts for this delightful little animal, I hope you enjoy March’s marine creature!