✵The article records the herb Cuttlebone—its English name, Latin name, Pinyin name, properties and flavors, and its source as defined in classical herbal texts: two primary shellfish species, (1) Sepiella maindroni de Rochebrune and (2) Sepia esculenta Hoyle; and four additional acceptable species: (3) Sepia andreana Steenstrup, (4) Sepia latimanus Quoy et Gaimard, (5) Sepia pharaonis Ehrenberg, and (6) Sepia lycidas Gray. It provides a detailed introduction to the morphological features, growth characteristics, and ecological habitats of these four species; the characteristics of the herb Cuttlebone; its pharmacological actions, medicinal efficacy, and administration guidelines.
Os Sepiae (Cuttlebone)
Pinyin Name: Hǎi Piāo Shāo
English Name: Cuttlebone
Latin Name:Os Sepiae, Endoconcha Sepiae Properties and Flavors: Warm in nature; salty and astringent in taste
Brief Introduction: The herb Os Sepiae is the dried internal shell of Sepiella maindroni de Rochebrune or Sepia esculenta Hoyle, used as a hemostatic and antacid agent for treating hematemesis, melena, menorrhagia, acid regurgitation, and leukorrhea. It is commonly known as Os Sepiae, Cuttlebone, Endoconcha Sepiae, or Hǎi Piāo Shāo.
Source: Classical herbal works define Os Sepiae (Cuttlebone) as the dried internal shell of the small cuttlefish species (1) Sepiella maindroni de Rochebrune or (2) Sepia esculenta Hoyle. Other authoritative classical texts further include (3) Sepia andreana Steenstrup, (4) Sepia latimanus Quoy et Gaimard, (5) Sepia pharaonis Ehrenberg, and (6) Sepia lycidas Gray. These species belong to the genera Sepia, Sepiella, or Metasepia, family Sepiidae, order Sepiida. The two most commonly used species and the four additional species are described below:
(1) Sepiella maindroni de Rochebrune
Animal Description: The cuttlefish Sepiella maindroni de Rochebrune is commonly known as Wú Zhēn Wū Zéi (meaning "spineless" or "needle-less cuttlefish"). It belongs to the genus Sepiella, family Sepiidae, order Sepiida. The soft body is medium-sized; the dorsum and abdomen are flattened, and the metastomium is oval (egg-shaped), typically about 157 mm in length—approximately twice its width. The head is about 29 mm long; the eyes are large, with an oval rhinarium (sensory pit) located posterior to each eye. A mouth lies at the center of the head, surrounded by four pairs of arms and one pair of tentacular lobes (lobus tentacularis). Arm lengths are similar, arranged in the order: IV > I > III > II; each arm bears four rows of suckers on its inner surface, and sucker sizes are uniform. The parietal cuticular ring bears subulate (awl-shaped) toothlets along its outer margin.
In males, the fourth arm is hectocotylized, characterized by a markedly reduced sucker at the base—occupying approximately one-third of the arm’s total length—while suckers at the mid- and distal portions remain normal. The tentacular lobes are generally longer than the midsection; the tentacular club is narrow and about 40 cm long, bearing approximately 20 longitudinal rows of suckers; sucker sizes are uniform. Its cuticular ring exhibits rectangular-circular denticulation (toothlets) along the outer edge.
A funnel organ is located ventrally on the head; the lower portion of the funnel tube connects to the ink sac within the body, enabling expulsion of black ink as a defensive mechanism. During life, conspicuous white variegation appears on the dorsal surface: males display larger patches, females smaller ones. Fins are present bilaterally along the midsection—entire, tapering anteriorly and broadening posteriorly—and are separated at their posterior ends. A glandular pore occurs at the posterior-ventral extremity of the midsection, from which a reddish-brown fluid is often secreted upon capture. The internal shell, situated dorsally within the mantle cavity (pallial chamber), is oblong-oval—about three times as long as wide—with well-developed corneous (horny) margins that form a horny lamina (horny plate) at the posterior end. The striated region exhibits wavelike patterns, and the apex lacks a spicule (spiculum or osseous pin).
Ecological Environment: This species is benthic, inhabiting the seafloor. Each spring and summer, it migrates from deeper overwintering grounds to shallow coastal waters near islands. The optimal temperature for spawning is 16–19 °C (60.8–66.2 °F); eggs are deposited in clumps of seaweed, enveloped in a black, adhesive film, and arranged in grape-like clusters. Major egg diameter measures 6–7 mm; embryonic development lasts over one month. Hatchlings exhibit prominent dorsal markings and high motility. It is carnivorous, preying primarily on crustaceans and small fish. Its distribution is mainly along the coastal regions of China.
Characteristics of the Herb: The dried internal shell is oblong-oval and flattened, with thin margins and a thickened central region, measuring 9–14 cm in length, 2.5–3.5 cm in width, and 1.2–1.5 cm in thickness. The dorsal surface displays lustrous white ridges, slightly reddish on the lateral edges; faint, wart-like protrusions form nearly parallel, semicircular textures. The ventral surface is white, exhibiting fine, wavelike transverse striations extending from the posterior end toward the center. The cuticular margin is translucent; the posterior end is broader and flattened, lacking a spicule. The shell is lightweight, with a loose, friable texture that fractures easily; the fracture surface is mealy (powdery), revealing distinct laminar layering. It possesses a mild fishy odor and a slightly salty taste.
(2) Sepia esculenta Hoyle
Animal Description: The cuttlefish Sepia esculenta Hoyle is commonly known as Jīn Wū Zéi ("Golden Cuttlefish"). It belongs to the genus Sepia, family Sepiidae, order Sepiida. The body is medium-sized; the midsection is ovoid, typically about 200 mm in length—approximately 1.5 times its width. The head measures about 30 mm in length. Arm sequence is IV > I > III > II; suckers are arranged in four longitudinal rows. The parietal cuticular ring bears irregular, blunt denticulations (toothlets) along its outer margin. In males, the fourth arm is hectocotylized: suckers on the 7th and 8th rows at the base are normal in size; those from the 9th to 15th rows are markedly reduced; suckers proximal to the 15th row resume normal size. The tentacular lobes are slightly longer than the midsection; the tentacular club is semi-lunar (half-moon shaped), approximately one-fifth the length of the tentacular lobe.
The suckers are small and densely arranged, in approximately 10 longitudinal rows; sucker sizes are uniform. During life, the body surface is yellowish-brown, and the dorsal surface of the midsection displays fine, alternating bands of brown-purple and cream-white. In males, the dorsal midsection exhibits golden, wavelike transverse striations. During the reproductive season, several irregular aquamarine-blue (cyan) transverse striations often appear; the abdomen shifts from cream-white to aeneous (golden-green), a coloration that is highly conspicuous. The internal shell is oblong-oval—its length approximately 2.5 times its width—convex dorsally, bearing firm, hard, calcareous granular protrusions. The ventral surface is calcareous and relatively soft, featuring a central vertical groove; the striated region shows circular (concentric) growth lines. The apical spicule is thick and robust.
Ecological Environment: Its ecological requirements closely resemble those of Sepiella maindroni de Rochebrune, differing primarily in egg morphology: eggs are ash-gray (grayish-white), pyriform (pear-shaped), 11–12 mm in diameter, with an incubation period of approximately one month. Juveniles exhibit yellowish-brown dorsal coloration with purple pigment patterns similar to adults, though their activity is comparatively reduced; they typically remain concealed on the seafloor. Individuals reach maturity within the same year and commence spawning the following spring; most adults die shortly after spawning. Its distribution is predominantly along the coastal regions of China.
Characteristics of the Herb: The dried internal shell is larger than that of Sepiella maindroni de Rochebrune, measuring 13–23 cm in length and up to approximately 6.5 cm in width; the thickest portion lies in the anterior half, with a thickness of 0.8–1.2 cm. Dorsal wart-like protrusions are distinct and subtly layered. The ventral surface bears wavelike transverse striations covering most of the surface, with shallow longitudinal grooves centrally located. The cuticular margin at the posterior end gradually widens and curves ventrally. A spicule is present at the apex, though it is frequently fractured or absent in commercial material.
Pharmacological Actions: (1) Systemic hemostatic effect; (2) Protective effect against acute radiation sickness; (3) Antiviral activity; (4) Promotion of bone defect repair.
Medicinal Efficacy: Astringent and hemostatic; arrests seminal emission and leukorrhea; neutralizes gastric hyperacidity to alleviate epigastric pain; dries dampness and promotes wound contraction. It is indicated for: hematemesis (vomiting blood), melena (black tarry stools), hematochezia (bright red rectal bleeding), epistaxis (nasal bleeding), bleeding from superficial wounds or subcutaneous tissues, metrorrhagia and metrostaxis (abnormal uterine bleeding), pathological leukorrhea, amenorrhea due to blood deficiency, spermatorrhea (nocturnal emission), nocturnal emission associated with kidney deficiency, abdominal pain and abdominal masses, asthenic malaria accompanied by diarrhea or dysentery, gastralgia (epigastric pain), gastric upset, acid regurgitation, belching, and ulcerative or erosive conditions. Externally, it is used for traumatic bleeding, eczema, moist sores, non-healing ulcers, vulvar erosion, and necrotic ulcers.
Administration of Os Sepiae (Hǎi Piāo Shāo):
Reference:
Administration Guide for Os Sepiae (Hǎi Piāo Shāo)
TCM Books:
(1) Internally: 5–10 grams. Externally: appropriate amount, prepared as a finely powdered herb and applied topically to the affected area. (2) Internally: water decoction, 1.5–3 qián (≈4.5–9 grams); or formulated into pills or powders. External use: finely powdered herb applied topically. (3) or water decoction, 1.5–6 grams; higher doses (up to 15–30 grams) may be used under professional guidance; also formulated into pills or powders.
Contraindications, Precautions, and Adverse Reactions: Os Sepiae is contraindicated with Radix Ampelopsis (Ampelopsis brevipedunculata), Rhizoma Bletillae (Bletilla striata), and Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata (processed lateral root of Aconitum carmichaelii). Prolonged use may cause constipation.
(3) Sepia andreana Steenstrup.
Animal Description: The inkfish, Sepia andreana Steenstrup, is commonly known as Zhēn Wū Zéi (acicular cuttlefish). It is a cuttlefish species belonging to the genus Sepia, family Sepiidae, order Sepiida. Its body is small; the midsection is narrow and slender, the posterior end is sharply tapered, and the total length is generally about 90 mm — approximately twice the width. Its fins are narrow, and its head is about 12 mm long. Sexual dimorphism is distinct: in males, the midsection is elongated and conical; the arm formula is 2 > 4 > 1 > 3; the second pair of arms is more than twice as long as the others and extremely stout (thick and robust), with a rounded tip bearing purple annular markings on the outer surface; the ventral two-thirds of each arm bears four rows of suckers, while the remaining portion bears two rows. In females, the midsection is relatively shorter and stouter; the arm formula is 2 > 1 > 4 > 3; the second and third pairs of arms are similar in length and morphology; the ventral three-fifths of each arm bears four rows of suckers, while the remainder bears two rows. The first and third pairs of arms in both sexes bear four rows of suckers, with the apical suckers arranged in two rows; the fourth pair of arms in both sexes also bears four rows of suckers, and the suckers generally lack teeth on the outer margin of the chitinous ring, except for minute square toothlets on the smallest apical suckers. The left fourth arm of the male is hectocotylized, with greatly reduced apical suckers. The tentacular lobe (lobus tentacularis) is slender and elongated — longer than the midsection — while the tentacular club is short and small, comprising approximately one-tenth of the total arm length; suckers are arranged in 7–8 rows, varying markedly in size, with the central four rows being the largest. In life, the dorsal surface bears very fine yellow spots. The internal shell (cuttlebone) of the male is six times as long as it is wide; that of the female is four times as long as it is wide. The chitinous edge is extremely narrow; the dorsal protuberance is minute; a longitudinal ridge runs centrally along the dorsal surface; the spiculum at the posterior end is sharply pointed.
Ecological Environment: This species inhabits offshore waters and exhibits gregarious behavior. It breeds annually in April and is primarily distributed along the coastal regions of China.
Characteristics of the Herb: The internal shell is thin and elongated. In males, its length is six times its width; in females, four times its width. The spiculum at the posterior end is sharply pointed and prominent.
(4) Sepia latimanus Quoy et Gaimard.
Animal Description: The inkfish, Sepia latimanus Quoy et Gaimard, is commonly known as Bái Bān Wū Zéi (white-patch cuttlefish). It is a cuttlefish species belonging to the genus Sepia, family Sepiidae, order Sepiida. The body is larger, with an ovoid midsection; total length is generally about 300 mm — approximately 1.8 times the width. The maximum fin width is less than one-quarter of the midsection width; fins are located laterally, entire, with slightly separated tips. The arm formula is 4 > 3 > 2 > 1; suckers are arranged in four rows; some basal suckers bear dense, blunt denticulations (toothlets) on the outer margins of the chitinous rings; some apical suckers possess isolated toothlets.
In life, the dorsal surface of the midsection is tawny (yellowish-brown) and bears fine white spots. The internal shell is thick and large, oblong-oval in shape, with a length approximately 2.5 times its width. Dorsal granula are coarse and prominent; the ventral surface is convex anteriorly and concave posteriorly; a shallow longitudinal groove lies centrally within the striated zone; the spiculum at the posterior end is stout (thick and robust).
Ecological Environment: This species inhabits the open sea (pelagic zone). It is primarily distributed along the coastal regions of China.
Characteristics of the Herb: The internal shell is thick and large, oblong-oval (elongate-elliptical) in shape, with a length approximately 2.5 times its width. The dorsal surface is prominently convex and bears coarse, large granula; the ventral surface is convex anteriorly and concave posteriorly. A thick spiculum projects from the posterior end, and a shallow longitudinal groove runs centrally through the striated zone.
(5) Sepia pharaonis Ehrenberg.
Animal Description: The inkfish, Sepia pharaonis Ehrenberg, is commonly known as Hǔ Bān Wū Zéi (tiger-striped cuttlefish). It is a cuttlefish species belonging to the genus Sepia, family Sepiidae, order Sepiida. This species is large and resembles Sepia latimanus, but differs in the following key features: the suckers on the basal portion of the arms are smooth and lack teeth on the outer margin of the chitinous ring, though they bear numerous fine longitudinal striations.
The apical suckers possess dense, blunt denticulations (toothlets). In life, the body is tawny (yellowish-brown), and the dorsal surface of the midsection exhibits undulating brown markings resembling tiger stripes. A distinct cerulean-blue ring encircles the junction between the fins and the dorsal midsection.
Ecological Environment:Sepia pharaonis Ehrenberg is a tropical marine species, primarily distributed along the coastal regions of China.
Characteristics of the Herb: The internal shell of Sepia pharaonis Ehrenberg closely resembles that of Sepia latimanus Quoy et Gaimard.
(6) Sepia lycidas Gray.
Animal Description: The inkfish, Sepia lycidas Gray, is commonly known as Nǐ Mù Wū Zéi. It is a cuttlefish species belonging to the genus Sepia, family Sepiidae, order Sepiida. This species is larger and morphologically similar to Sepia latimanus, differing primarily in arm formula (4 > 1 > 3 > 2). In life, the dorsal surface of the midsection is tawny (yellowish-brown) and bears conspicuous ocelliform (eye-like) white markings. The tentacular lobe is elongated — longer than the combined length of the head and midsection. The striated zone of the internal shell is relatively shorter.
Ecological Environment:Sepia lycidas Gray is a tropical marine species, primarily distributed along the coastal regions of China.
Characteristics of the Herb: The internal shell of Sepia lycidas Gray closely resembles that of Sepia esculenta Hoyle, but its striated zone is shorter.
✵The article records the herb Cuttlebone—its English name, Latin name, Pinyin name, properties and flavors, and its source as defined in classical herbal texts: two primary shellfish species, (1) Sepiella maindroni de Rochebrune and (2) Sepia esculenta Hoyle; and four additional acceptable species: (3) Sepia andreana Steenstrup, (4) Sepia latimanus Quoy et Gaimard, (5) Sepia pharaonis Ehrenberg, and (6) Sepia lycidas Gray. It provides a detailed introduction to the morphological features, growth characteristics, and ecological habitats of these four species; the characteristics of the herb Cuttlebone; its pharmacological actions, medicinal efficacy, and administration guidelines.
Pinyin Name: Hǎi Piāo Shāo
Animal Description: The cuttlefish Sepiella maindroni de Rochebrune is commonly known as Wú Zhēn Wū Zéi (meaning "spineless" or "needle-less cuttlefish"). It belongs to the genus Sepiella, family Sepiidae, order Sepiida. The soft body is medium-sized; the dorsum and abdomen are flattened, and the metastomium is oval (egg-shaped), typically about 157 mm in length—approximately twice its width. The head is about 29 mm long; the eyes are large, with an oval rhinarium (sensory pit) located posterior to each eye. A mouth lies at the center of the head, surrounded by four pairs of arms and one pair of tentacular lobes (lobus tentacularis). Arm lengths are similar, arranged in the order: IV > I > III > II; each arm bears four rows of suckers on its inner surface, and sucker sizes are uniform. The parietal cuticular ring bears subulate (awl-shaped) toothlets along its outer margin.
In males, the fourth arm is hectocotylized, characterized by a markedly reduced sucker at the base—occupying approximately one-third of the arm’s total length—while suckers at the mid- and distal portions remain normal. The tentacular lobes are generally longer than the midsection; the tentacular club is narrow and about 40 cm long, bearing approximately 20 longitudinal rows of suckers; sucker sizes are uniform. Its cuticular ring exhibits rectangular-circular denticulation (toothlets) along the outer edge.
Ecological Environment: This species is benthic, inhabiting the seafloor. Each spring and summer, it migrates from deeper overwintering grounds to shallow coastal waters near islands. The optimal temperature for spawning is 16–19 °C (60.8–66.2 °F); eggs are deposited in clumps of seaweed, enveloped in a black, adhesive film, and arranged in grape-like clusters. Major egg diameter measures 6–7 mm; embryonic development lasts over one month. Hatchlings exhibit prominent dorsal markings and high motility. It is carnivorous, preying primarily on crustaceans and small fish. Its distribution is mainly along the coastal regions of China.
Characteristics of the Herb: The dried internal shell is oblong-oval and flattened, with thin margins and a thickened central region, measuring 9–14 cm in length, 2.5–3.5 cm in width, and 1.2–1.5 cm in thickness. The dorsal surface displays lustrous white ridges, slightly reddish on the lateral edges; faint, wart-like protrusions form nearly parallel, semicircular textures. The ventral surface is white, exhibiting fine, wavelike transverse striations extending from the posterior end toward the center. The cuticular margin is translucent; the posterior end is broader and flattened, lacking a spicule. The shell is lightweight, with a loose, friable texture that fractures easily; the fracture surface is mealy (powdery), revealing distinct laminar layering. It possesses a mild fishy odor and a slightly salty taste.
Animal Description: The cuttlefish Sepia esculenta Hoyle is commonly known as Jīn Wū Zéi ("Golden Cuttlefish"). It belongs to the genus Sepia, family Sepiidae, order Sepiida. The body is medium-sized; the midsection is ovoid, typically about 200 mm in length—approximately 1.5 times its width. The head measures about 30 mm in length. Arm sequence is IV > I > III > II; suckers are arranged in four longitudinal rows. The parietal cuticular ring bears irregular, blunt denticulations (toothlets) along its outer margin. In males, the fourth arm is hectocotylized: suckers on the 7th and 8th rows at the base are normal in size; those from the 9th to 15th rows are markedly reduced; suckers proximal to the 15th row resume normal size. The tentacular lobes are slightly longer than the midsection; the tentacular club is semi-lunar (half-moon shaped), approximately one-fifth the length of the tentacular lobe.
The suckers are small and densely arranged, in approximately 10 longitudinal rows; sucker sizes are uniform. During life, the body surface is yellowish-brown, and the dorsal surface of the midsection displays fine, alternating bands of brown-purple and cream-white. In males, the dorsal midsection exhibits golden, wavelike transverse striations. During the reproductive season, several irregular aquamarine-blue (cyan) transverse striations often appear; the abdomen shifts from cream-white to aeneous (golden-green), a coloration that is highly conspicuous. The internal shell is oblong-oval—its length approximately 2.5 times its width—convex dorsally, bearing firm, hard, calcareous granular protrusions. The ventral surface is calcareous and relatively soft, featuring a central vertical groove; the striated region shows circular (concentric) growth lines. The apical spicule is thick and robust.
Ecological Environment: Its ecological requirements closely resemble those of Sepiella maindroni de Rochebrune, differing primarily in egg morphology: eggs are ash-gray (grayish-white), pyriform (pear-shaped), 11–12 mm in diameter, with an incubation period of approximately one month. Juveniles exhibit yellowish-brown dorsal coloration with purple pigment patterns similar to adults, though their activity is comparatively reduced; they typically remain concealed on the seafloor. Individuals reach maturity within the same year and commence spawning the following spring; most adults die shortly after spawning. Its distribution is predominantly along the coastal regions of China.
Characteristics of the Herb: The dried internal shell is larger than that of Sepiella maindroni de Rochebrune, measuring 13–23 cm in length and up to approximately 6.5 cm in width; the thickest portion lies in the anterior half, with a thickness of 0.8–1.2 cm. Dorsal wart-like protrusions are distinct and subtly layered. The ventral surface bears wavelike transverse striations covering most of the surface, with shallow longitudinal grooves centrally located. The cuticular margin at the posterior end gradually widens and curves ventrally. A spicule is present at the apex, though it is frequently fractured or absent in commercial material.
Animal Description: The inkfish, Sepia andreana Steenstrup, is commonly known as Zhēn Wū Zéi (acicular cuttlefish). It is a cuttlefish species belonging to the genus Sepia, family Sepiidae, order Sepiida. Its body is small; the midsection is narrow and slender, the posterior end is sharply tapered, and the total length is generally about 90 mm — approximately twice the width. Its fins are narrow, and its head is about 12 mm long. Sexual dimorphism is distinct: in males, the midsection is elongated and conical; the arm formula is 2 > 4 > 1 > 3; the second pair of arms is more than twice as long as the others and extremely stout (thick and robust), with a rounded tip bearing purple annular markings on the outer surface; the ventral two-thirds of each arm bears four rows of suckers, while the remaining portion bears two rows. In females, the midsection is relatively shorter and stouter; the arm formula is 2 > 1 > 4 > 3; the second and third pairs of arms are similar in length and morphology; the ventral three-fifths of each arm bears four rows of suckers, while the remainder bears two rows. The first and third pairs of arms in both sexes bear four rows of suckers, with the apical suckers arranged in two rows; the fourth pair of arms in both sexes also bears four rows of suckers, and the suckers generally lack teeth on the outer margin of the chitinous ring, except for minute square toothlets on the smallest apical suckers. The left fourth arm of the male is hectocotylized, with greatly reduced apical suckers. The tentacular lobe (lobus tentacularis) is slender and elongated — longer than the midsection — while the tentacular club is short and small, comprising approximately one-tenth of the total arm length; suckers are arranged in 7–8 rows, varying markedly in size, with the central four rows being the largest. In life, the dorsal surface bears very fine yellow spots. The internal shell (cuttlebone) of the male is six times as long as it is wide; that of the female is four times as long as it is wide. The chitinous edge is extremely narrow; the dorsal protuberance is minute; a longitudinal ridge runs centrally along the dorsal surface; the spiculum at the posterior end is sharply pointed.
Animal Description: The inkfish, Sepia latimanus Quoy et Gaimard, is commonly known as Bái Bān Wū Zéi (white-patch cuttlefish). It is a cuttlefish species belonging to the genus Sepia, family Sepiidae, order Sepiida. The body is larger, with an ovoid midsection; total length is generally about 300 mm — approximately 1.8 times the width. The maximum fin width is less than one-quarter of the midsection width; fins are located laterally, entire, with slightly separated tips. The arm formula is 4 > 3 > 2 > 1; suckers are arranged in four rows; some basal suckers bear dense, blunt denticulations (toothlets) on the outer margins of the chitinous rings; some apical suckers possess isolated toothlets.
Ecological Environment: This species inhabits the open sea (pelagic zone). It is primarily distributed along the coastal regions of China.
Animal Description: The inkfish, Sepia pharaonis Ehrenberg, is commonly known as Hǔ Bān Wū Zéi (tiger-striped cuttlefish). It is a cuttlefish species belonging to the genus Sepia, family Sepiidae, order Sepiida. This species is large and resembles Sepia latimanus, but differs in the following key features: the suckers on the basal portion of the arms are smooth and lack teeth on the outer margin of the chitinous ring, though they bear numerous fine longitudinal striations.
The apical suckers possess dense, blunt denticulations (toothlets). In life, the body is tawny (yellowish-brown), and the dorsal surface of the midsection exhibits undulating brown markings resembling tiger stripes. A distinct cerulean-blue ring encircles the junction between the fins and the dorsal midsection.
Ecological Environment: Sepia pharaonis Ehrenberg is a tropical marine species, primarily distributed along the coastal regions of China.
Animal Description: The inkfish, Sepia lycidas Gray, is commonly known as Nǐ Mù Wū Zéi. It is a cuttlefish species belonging to the genus Sepia, family Sepiidae, order Sepiida. This species is larger and morphologically similar to Sepia latimanus, differing primarily in arm formula (4 > 1 > 3 > 2). In life, the dorsal surface of the midsection is tawny (yellowish-brown) and bears conspicuous ocelliform (eye-like) white markings. The tentacular lobe is elongated — longer than the combined length of the head and midsection. The striated zone of the internal shell is relatively shorter.
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