Why do cuttlefish flash colors?

Answer: Hypnotizing prey before attack

Hypnotizing prey before attack ✓ — Correct! Cuttlefish can rapidly change skin color and pattern using chromatophores. When hunting, they sometimes display mesmerizing moving waves of color that may disorient or entrance prey (like crabs and fish). They also use color for camouflage, communication, and mating displays. They're color-changing ninjas!

Generating body heat — Wrong. Color changes don't produce heat. Cuttlefish control skin pigment cells (chromatophores) for visual communication and camouflage, not temperature.

Absorbing more sunlight — Wrong. Color changes are for communication, camouflage, and hunting—not photosynthesis or energy absorption. Cuttlefish are carnivores, not plants.