Researchers have discovered a cuttlefish using a unique camouflage technique, dynamically shifting its skin patterns to avoid detection by its prey.

Wildlife experts at the University of Bristol found that the broadclub cuttlefish employs a moving skin display to enhance its stealth while hunting and to lure in prey.

The team identified a novel form of motion camouflage, where the animal passes dark stripes downward across its head and arms, masking its approach. The groundbreaking study was published in Science Advances in England on March 28.

Lead author Dr Matteo Santon from the University of Bristol's School of Biological Sciences said: 'Camouflage has predominantly been studied as an adaptation used by prey to evade predators, often focusing on stationary animals, as motion typically disrupts camouflage.'

Senior author Dr Martin How said that most cuttlefish rely on stealth to ambush their prey.

He added: 'Thanks to their fast colour-changing skin, these remarkable animals have more camouflage options while moving than most predators.'

By analysing the perspective of a prey crab, scientists demonstrated that the passing-stripe display effectively conceals the predator's approach. Their findings suggest that the prey's visual system may be overwhelmed by the strong motion of the stripes, preventing them from detecting the looming cuttlefish.

Dr Santon said: 'To our eyes, this dynamic display appears highly conspicuous, but it exploits the strong motion cues created by the rhythmic passing stripes to deceive the prey.

'Observing this species hunt in the wild for the first time was truly magical. Watching a cuttlefish use the passing-stripe display feels like witnessing the illusions of a master magician.'

This species is known to use at least three other elaborate hunting displays, showcasing a remarkable range of adaptations for ambushing prey.

The research team now aims to investigate how these other displays function and what factors influence a cuttlefish's choice of hunting strategy.