Identification Characteristics:
The body is ovoid, with females reaching a maximum length of 430 mm and males reaching 330 mm. The mantle is wide and uniform from the collar to the end of the body. The dorsal surface has transverse, wave-like markings. The lateral margins of the dorsal surface lack folds, instead displaying brown spots. The arms are without angles, relatively long and slender, with the arm formula 4-3-2-1. Suckers decrease in size from the base to the tip of the arms. The tentacles are longer than the body, with flattened stalks and large tentacular clubs. The tentacular suckers are irregular. There are 3-5 large suckers in the middle of each of the two rows. All horny rings lack teeth. The dorsal surface of the body has many tiger-skin-like, wave-shaped markings, hence the name “tiger-striped cuttlefish.”
Biology and Ecology:
This is an omnivorous species that actively hunts prey and can change its skin color. During the breeding season, female cuttlefish migrate to coastal areas to lay eggs, which are attached to seaweed, shells, or other substrates. This species typically lives in the open ocean at depths of 40 meters, sometimes reaching 110 meters.
Distribution:
Within Vietnam: Gulf of Tonkin, Khanh Hoa, Phan Thiet, Ba Ria – Vung Tau.
Worldwide: Red Sea, Arabian Sea, Japan, China, Australia.
Value:
This species is of scientific and culinary value, with palatable meat. It is of high export value and is highly sought after.
Conservation Status:
Widespread distribution. A high-value economic species, leading to intense fishing pressure. The population decline has been approximately 20% over the last 10-5 years (or roughly the last 3 generations).
IUCN Status: VU A1d.
Conservation Measures:
Included in the Vietnam Red Book in 1992. Regulations on size and harvest season are needed. Further research on its biology and ecology is needed for sustainable exploitation.