Invertebrate
Giant Australian cuttlefish
Sepia apama
IUCN status: UnknownWidely sought
The largest cuttlefish species forms its only known dense breeding aggregation near Whyalla. Numbers vary sharply between years and triggered a temporary 2026 protection closure.
- Max size
- Males up to about 50cm and 10kg
- Habitat
- Temperate reefs and rocky coastal habitat of southern Australia
Best places to dive with Giant Australian cuttlefish
rareoccasionalcommonly seenpeak season
Whyalla & Cuttlefish Coast
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | not seen |
| February | not seen |
| March | not seen |
| April | not seen |
| May | occasional |
| June | peak season |
| July | peak season |
| August | occasional |
| September | not seen |
| October | not seen |
| November | not seen |
| December | not seen |
Normal aggregation calendar; access is currently prohibited in the core site.
Fleurieu Peninsula
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Possible year-round; no unsupported peak is applied.
Sydney
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Possible year-round; no unsupported peak is applied.
Tasmania — East & Southeast
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Possible year-round; no unsupported peak is applied.
Sources & last checked
Checked September 2026
Research is source-backed, but conditions and fees should still be confirmed locally.