Dorset Wildlife Trust is delighted to welcome new arrivals in their aquarium at the Fine Foundation Marine Centre, Kimmeridge.
At the beginning of August a cluster of cuttlefish eggs, or sea grapes, was found washed up on the beach. If left on the seashore the eggs would have quickly dried out in the sun and died. Luckily Dorset Wildlife Trust wardens were able to take the eggs to the Marine Centre and set up an aquarium for them, not knowing whether they would survive.
After waiting patiently the eggs finally hatched earlier this week and staff at the Centre were thrilled to see the first of the tiny animals emerging from their eggs.
Trainee warden, Sammy Chaffey said “I thought I was just looking at small rocks when I suddenly saw the baby cuttlefish swimming around. It is amazing to watch the way they move and camouflage so well.”
The Marine Centre has successfully hatched and raised cuttlefish every year since 2006, with the creatures being returned to the sea where they can continue to grow into voracious predators; using their extendable tentacles to catch prey such as small fish and crabs.
Cuttlefish are a type of mollusc, related to squid and octopus. They are best known for their ability to camouflage, enabling them to instantly change their colour and texture to blend in with their background or communicate with other cuttlefish.
Marine Centre manager, Julie Hatcher said “Our marine wildlife has undergone massive decline over the centuries so it is always good to give nature a helping hand, however small that may seem. It is very rewarding to return these animals to their natural environment where we hope they will continue to thrive.”
For visitors wishing to meet our new cuttlefish, the Fine Foundation Marine Centre, Kimmeridge, is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10.30am until 5pm until the end of September, from October to April the centre operates under reduced opening hours. Entry to the centre, with its small aquarium and range of children’s activities, is free (£5 toll road charge per car).
To find out more about the Fine Foundation Marine Centre visit www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/purbeck_marine_wildlife_reserve
