Abstract

The pharaoh cuttlefish was cultured in a production facility through multiple generations. The advantage of using Sepia pharaonis over Sepia officinalis was at least two cultures were obtained per year from the pharaoh cuttlefish compared to one culture respectively. Observation of the eggs from Sepia pharaonis was facilitated by the transparency of the outer coat compared to the opaqueness of the outer egg coat in Sepia officinalis. The growth rate from hatchling to adult was faster in Sepia pharaonis; the coloration and behavioral displays are also more ornate in the pharaoh cuttlefish than in the European cuttlefish.

Disease problems associated with Sepia pharaonis were minimal compared to Sepia officinalis. In conclusion, Sepia pharaonis may be a better candidate for show displays than Sepia officinalis because of the multiple generations per year, increased ornate displays and behavior patterns and rapid growth rate in culture with minimal disease problems.