Fact Sheets & Video - Whyalla

They don't mind, so neither should you

Whyalla is located 396km northwest of South Australia's capital, Adelaide. The sea around Whyalla is the world's largest cuttlefish breading zone. In the Late 90's, following a sharp decline in cuttlefish numbers, public outcry resulted in Primary Industries granting an "indefinite temporary enclosure". Since then these magnificent creatures have returned year after year in ever increasing numbers to the delight of all those who see them.

These animals can be found along the entire south coast of Australia but during spawning, the greatest concentration (as many as thousands per acre) is found in the waters around Whyalla. Every year between May and September the Giant Australian Cuttlefish, Sepia Apama, congregate on the rocky coastline on the Spencer Gulf. Cuttlefish need these rocky areas to breed in and around as the female will deposit her eggs in rock caves.

As a result of the sheer numbers in the Whyalla area, and therefore competition, an unusual reproductive strategy has developed - "Sneaky Sex". Small males who can't compete with larger males take on the disguise of females and sneak past the bigger territorial males. When the territory owner is off fighting challengers the sneakier and smaller male in "drag" quickly mates with the female.

Cuttlefish are sometimes called the chameleon of the sea because of their remarkable ability to rapidly alter their skin colour at will. Out of all the animals, the cephalopods possess an unrivalled ability to change their shape and body patterns.

During the mating process males will make dramatic displays where they extend the banner-like webs on their arms and pulse regular, moving zebra stripes of colour along their body.

It is to this spectacular and other-worldly event that tourists and field expert flock from around the world. It is a world renowned phenomenon and for good reason.

Tony Bramley of Whyalla Dive Services offers easy access to this phenomenon. He'll supply all equipment necessary for your dive a whole lot of insider knowledge of the area and the cuttlefish themselves, which he has been viewing up close for years now.

While your in the area don't miss out on seeing the the HMAS Whyalla, a World War II Bathurst class corvette battleship, now landlocked 2 kms inland. It's on display at the Whyalla Maritime Museum. In the museum the World War II display tells the story of the four corvettes that were built in Whyalla. There is a BHP shipbuilding exhibition and a display of the natural history and early maritime heritage of the upper Spencer Gulf.

Further Information:

Whyalla, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Whyalla Dive Services

$30 a person

includes 2 dives

(08)8645-8050

Conditions, surcharges and block out dates may apply

Whyalla Foreshore Motor Inn

Garden View rooms from

$120 a night

Includes breakfast

1800 355 218

Conditions, surcharges and block out dates may apply

www.whyalla.com.au

www.maritime.org/hnsa-whyalla.htm