How cuttlefish use colors to catch their food
Earth 2.0From: Live Science · rewritten for kids by Osmo
Read the story
Cuttlefish live in the ocean and can change their skin colors quickly to help them hunt. They slowly get close to small animals like shrimp and fish. Then, they show waves of colors on their skin that might confuse the prey. This helps the cuttlefish catch their food fast.
Big word
chromatophores: Chromatophores are special cells that change color on animals like cuttlefish.
Quiz time: circle the right answer
1. What do cuttlefish use to change their colors when hunting?AChromatophores and other special cellsBTheir teethCTheir fins
2. Why do cuttlefish change colors when they are close to their prey?ATo scare the prey awayBTo confuse or stop the preyCTo make the sea look colorful
3. What is hypnosis according to the story?AA colorful showBA mental state of relaxation mostly in humansCA kind of fast swimming
Your turn
Draw a cuttlefish and color its skin in patterns you think could help it hide or catch food.
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