Between May and August of each year, thousands of Australian giant cuttlefish meet to mingle and mate in the Spencer Gulf off Whyalla, South Australia. Diver and underwater photographer Jonathon Di Cecco was lucky enough to get in on the action.

“In the shallow temperate waters, a truly amazing technicoloured display can be witnessed by snorkelers and scuba divers alike; cuttlefish flirtation, courtship, competition and mating unfolds amongst the rocks, algae and kelp,” Di Cecco says.

The Australian giant cuttlefish is the largest of the world’s cuttlefish species. Like other cephalopods, cuttlefish are able to change colors to camouflage themselves. However, they’re still known to be one of the prettiest creatures in the ocean, which can be seen during their mating season.

“This is a gathering of epic proportions and the most important event in the lives of these usually solitary cuttlefish,” Di Cecco explains. “The cuttlefish spend a year, or two years in the case of those born too late to participate in that season's aggregation, growing and storing energy for the marathon three-month mating season.”

Not unlike their relative octopuses, cuttlefish have eight arms. But they also have two extended tentacles that they use for mating and hunting. They can use these tentacles to further their camouflage as well, by disguising the shape of their body.

Follow Di Cecco on Instagram @jdc_technical.

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