<
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jun/12/goodbye-mr-fabulous-the-giant-cuttlefish-who-let-us-into-his-world-and-changed-ours-for-the-better>
"Mr Fabulous was the name bestowed upon him. He was a giant cuttlefish
(scientific name
Sepia apama) and he was the king of Cabbage Tree Bay. This
huge, alien-looking cephalopod had attracted many visitors to the small marine
reserve at Sydney’s Manly beach; they were enthralled by his flashing rainbow
colours and flamboyant tentacles.
He measured about 1 metre in length, and he did not mind posing for an
underwater camera, or 10. There were sometimes other smaller cuttlefish around,
but none of his size or vibrancy. His image is all over Instagram and he even
featured in the pic of the week competition of a national news site. Mr
Fabulous was a legend.
Unfortunately, the good life didn’t last, and he was found dead this month. His
headless corpse appeared to have been attacked by another ocean animal.
Dolphins were seen in the vicinity, and they are known to prey on giant
cuttlefish. There has been much sadness on social media and there is no doubt
that this underwater creature has been a muse, a delight and an inspiration.
He’s also been community glue, catalysing friendships (“Did you see him?”),
ocean conservation efforts and joint purpose."
RIP,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
