PHOTO: SHARIF SARWAR

A cluster of translucent cuttlefish eggs, often called “sea grapes”, sways gently on the shallow seabed of the Bay of Bengal off Saint Martin’s Island, each one holding a tiny master of disguise yet to hatch. Cuttlefish are cephalopods related to squid and octopuses, with around 120 species known worldwide. In Bangladesh’s waters, pharaoh and spineless cuttlefish are among the species recorded. They inhabit sandy bottoms, seagrass beds, coral patches, and shallow coastal waters, feeding on fish and other small marine animals. Renowned for their ability to instantly change colour, texture, and pattern, they possess one of nature’s most advanced camouflage systems. Their eggs are attached to seagrass, corals, or other underwater structures for protection.