The brain structure and the neural network features of the diurnal cuttlefish Sepia plangon

Abstract

Summary: Cuttlefish are known for their rapid changes of appearance enabling camouflage and con-specific communication for mating or agonistic display. However, interpretation of their sophisticated behaviors and responsible brain areas is based on the better-studied squid brain atlas. Here we present the first detailed description of the neuroanatomical features of a tropical and diurnal cuttlefish, Sepia plangon, coupled with observations on ontogenetic changes in its visual and learning centers using a suite of MRI-based techniques and histology. We then make comparisons to a loliginid squid, treating it as a ‘baseline’, and also to other cuttlefish species to help construct a connectivity map of the cuttlefish brain. Differences in brain anatomy and the previously unknown neural connections associated with camouflage, motor control and chemosensory function are described. These findings link brain heterogeneity to ecological niches and lifestyle, feeding hypotheses and evolutionary history, and provide a timely, new technology update to older literature.

Keywords

• Biological sciences
• Neuroscience
• Neuroanatomy
• Cognitive neuroscience