#QueerAnimals

The giant cuttlefish shows that, in nature, there is more than one successful strategy in courtship. The biggest, strongest or most noticeable animal does not always win.

Giant cuttlefish can change their shape and colour – not only for camouflage, but also during reproduction. Large males display striking patterns and defend females against rivals. Smaller males use a different strategy: they imitate females, show less conspicuous patterns and hide their male courtship signals. This allows them to slip past dominant males and mate successfully with females. They show that strength is not the only way to succeed. Transformation and diversity can be successful too.