GIANT CUTTLEFISH
In winter, near Whyalla, the population of Australian giant cuttlefish explodes!
SPECIES DETAILS
Scientific name:
Sepia apama
Habitat:
Coastal waters, oceans, estuaries & seagrass
Population:
Over 100,000 from 180,000 (Est. 1990’s), lowest 13,000 (2013), most 247,000 (2022)
Conservation status:
Near Threatened (Population decreasing)
Australian distribution:
QLD, NSW, VIC, TAS, SA & WA
INFORMATION
Native to Australia, the Australian giant cuttlefish is the largest species of cuttlefish in the world.
They can be found from southern Queensland all the way south and west to Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia.
In the Upper Spencer Gulf Marine Park near Whyalla, giant cuttlefish numbers peak in June and July when over 100,000 congregate in shallow waters to mate and spawn.
During the mating season divers will be dazzled by mesmerising light shows, colour displays and antics designed to lure mates.
Grow up to one metre (40”) in length and weigh up to 10 kilograms (22 lbs).
They only live for two years, dying after only one mating cycle once the next generation has been seeded by eggs laid during the mating season.
Cuttlefish are the masters of disguise capable of transforming themselves into the colour, texture and shape of the environment around them.
The underwater display provided by these fascinating creatures is simply spectacular!
Interactions with giant cuttlefish are seasonal, please check with the local dive services provider.
Giant Cuttlefish is one of Australia’s 50 Great Dives! READ MORE
Special thanks to the Why Dive team.
Copyright © 2025 Steve Sinclair
DIVE DETAILS
Check with local dive services provider
2026 GREAT AUSTRALIAN DIVE CHALLENGE
Dive Registration
To register this dive for validation, go to: www.50greatdives.com.
NOTE: Entrants should do this dive with one of the following preferred dive services.
DIVE SERVICES
South Australia
WHY DIVE SERVICES
33B Playford Avenue
Whyalla Playford SA 5600
+61 (0) 419 174 799
info@whydive.com.au
www.whydive.com.au
SPECIAL OFFER: $25 off any guided Giant Cuttlefish tour.
To redeem: Email info@whydive.com.au and quote 50 Great Dives.
New South Wales
ABYSS SCUBA DIVING
278 Rocky Point Road
Ramsgate NSW 2217
+61 (2) 9583 9662
dive@abyss.com.au
www.abyss.com.au
SPECIAL OFFER: One free air fill
To redeem: Visit store & quote 50 Great Dives
DIVE TRAVEL SERVICES
