Calling all divers !!! Cuttlefish anyone ??

DUPPIE

DUPPIE

Joined
21 Jan 2013
Posts
168
Reaction score
21
Location
STELLENBOSCH
Hi to all !!

I'm hoping that someone might be able to assist me, as I've exhausted most other avenues. None of the LFS's I've contacted are able to assist me in obtaining Cuttlefish, so I'm posting here in the hopes that someone (diver) might be able to catch some locally. I'm willing to pay for any specimens caught.


Regards
 
You can't buy from local collectors, it's against the law, but you can collect your own. What species of cuttlefish are you looking for?
 
Thanks @SteveZi

From my research I gathered that at least 6 species are found in our waters. The most common are the Southern Cuttle (sepia australis), and the Common cuttle (sepia vermiculatis). The ideal species are the Banded cuttle (sepia bandensis), but they prefer warmer water (thinking Durban/south coast). At this stage I'll try any species. My plan is to actually breed with them.

Thanks!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
SteveZi said:
You can't buy from local collectors, it's against the law, but you can collect your own. What species of cuttlefish are you looking for?
Click to expand...

I know this counts for most marine life but what about these guys collecting snoek, hake, red roman from the waters and selling them from there boats along the road?

Ive seen some selling cuttlefish in Gordon's Bay and Strand area :whistling:
 
Thanks @Jason !!

I've actually asked a friend of mine that fishes for a living to ask around, but no luck. Also spoke to another buddy that owns his own Scuba school....no luck. Maybe if someone has the contact details of one of the "trek net" guys that fish around the Monwabesi, and Simon's Town area they would be able to help. Then again, the specimens would probably be damaged !!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Technically the guys on boats should have commercial permits which allows them to sell their catch

I have heard of shops in cape town brining them in before.
 
Thanks @459b !!

Would you be so kind as to send me the names of the shops where you've seen cuttles? Think I've contacted all of them, but maybe I skipped one!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
you would probably have more luck speeking to the guys who go river fishing and who use throw nets, btw have you any idea how much those chaps can ink?
 
You can easily collect Sepia tuberculata from tidal pools in our area - even during winter time.
During summer it is very easy to collect various species down here in the southern cape.
Vermiculata grow quite big, but tuberculata is a nice size and easy to feed.
Have you looked into bobtail squid? They're very nice, but small.

cuttlefish.jpg
 
They can be difficult to spot - they are nocturnal, I usually find them over sandy bottom in sheltered water in the evenings with a light.
 
Damn, that's a big bugger !!

Thanks for all the help and suggestions, guys !!!!!

Managed to find someone that will import some dwarf Cuttle eggs for me, hopefully they will arrive within the next 3 weeks. Now I have to find someone who know where to collect live Mysis shrimp to feed the hatchlings, ..... any ideas ? Brine shrimp can also be used, but apparently the health and grow rate aren't great.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom