A study of the Australian cuttlefish amazes researchers as they learn about how the fish changes its appearance to better breed. The Australian cuttlefish uses its propensity for cross-dressing to become closer to a prudish female.

The male cuttlefish tucks away his fourth pair of arms that might otherwise flare out in a bright display. The fish cleverly also takes on the more dappled pattern typical of females, and scrunches up the six remaining arms to appear as if holding an egg. After assuming this guise he sneaks into position.


Interestingly, paternity tests indicate that this habit of the male is successful in two out of every three attempts. Researchers now believe that similar practices might be discovered in other species.