Cuttlefish suckers reveal how they grip rough prey—and could inspire better technology

Marine biologists have highlighted the remarkable adaptations of cephalopods—soft‑bodied mollusks that include cuttlefish, octopuses, squid, and nautiluses—in a recent overview of their feeding and locomotion strategies. The group is distinguished by its highly flexible bodies and complex nervous systems, which enable sophisticated hunting and escape behaviors in diverse oceanic environments.

A key feature of many cephalopods is the presence of muscular suckers along their arms. These suckers provide a powerful, adhesive grip that allows the animals to secure prey, manipulate objects, and maintain stability on varied substrates. The arrangement and density of suckers vary among species, reflecting specialized ecological roles—from the agile, rapid capture tactics of squid to the intricate, tool‑using behaviors of octopuses.

The study underscores how these morphological traits contribute to the ecological success of cephalopods across marine habitats. By combining muscular arm control with advanced sensory input, these mollusks remain among the most adaptable and efficient predators in the world's oceans.