Macro
European cuttlefish
Sepia officinalis
IUCN status: Least concern
A colour-shifting cephalopod seen hovering over sand and reef edges, more often in spring when it moves inshore to breed. A rewarding photographic subject when found.
- Max size
- Mantle up to ~45cm
- Habitat
- Sand and seagrass edges near reef; hovers over open bottom
Best places to dive with European cuttlefish
rareoccasionalcommonly seenpeak season
Malta & Gozo
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | commonly seen |
| April | commonly seen |
| May | commonly seen |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Most reliable in spring (March-May) when cuttlefish move inshore to breed; occasional the rest of the year over sandy edges.
Sources & last checked
Checked July 2026
Research is source-backed, but conditions and fees should still be confirmed locally.
View 1 source and checking notes
- Malta Marine Life: A Guide for Divers, Ritual Dive