Learning Intentions

You will:

  • Learn why cuttlefish gather in massive numbers in the Cuttlefish Coast Sanctuary part of the Upper Spencer Gulf Marine Park in South Australia.

  • Get familiar with key terms: cephalopods, aggregation, reproductive success.

Welcome to the Great Southern Reef! Stretching along the southern coastline of Australia, the GSR is a biodiversity hotpsot, with many species found no where else on the planet.

Take a look at the map.
Have you heard of the Great Southern Reef before? Where is it found, and why do you think it matters? Learn more about the Great Southern Reef here.

One iconic parts of the Great Southern Reef is the Cuttlefish Coast Sanctuary in the Upper Spencer Gulf Marine Park in South Australia, where Giant Australian Cuttlefish gather by the tens of thousands each winter.

Now it’s time to dive in and watch a short video that introduces you to the Giant Australian Cuttlefish and their fascinating behaviours.

Match the Word to the Definition

Tap a word, then tap the matching definition. Or drag and drop if you're on desktop.

Word Bank

Aggregation
Competitors
Reproductive Success
Cephalopod
Localised Threats
1. A large gathering of animals, often for breeding:
[ Drop here ]
2. An animal group that includes squid, octopus, and cuttlefish:
[ Drop here ]
3. Animals that are competing for the same mate or resource:
[ Drop here ]
4. How successful a population is at producing offspring:
[ Drop here ]
5. Dangers that affect a species in a specific geographic area:
[ Drop here ]

2. Once you have worked out all the correct definitions. Write them down in your work book or word document.

Quick Quiz

1. Where do Giant Australian Cuttlefish gather to mate each year?



2. Where do cuttlefish lay their eggs?




3. How many animals come together during the gathering?




4. How frequently does the gathering happen?




5. How long do cuttlefish live?




6. There are more females than males during the aggregation.


7. What are cephalopods?




8. Why are the cuttlefish aggregating?




3.. Once you’ve completed the questions above, show what you’ve learned about the Giant Australian Cuttlefish aggregation.


You can choose how to respond:

  • Write an engaging paragraph that includes key facts and explains why this event is important

  • Draw a labelled map of the cuttlefish coast sanctuary zone, showing where it fits within the Upper Spencer Gulf Marine Park.

  • Make a mini fact sheet or infographic on the cuttlefish and their habitat

  • Design a quiz or set of flashcards to teach others what you’ve learned