They are a migratory species that spend the summer and spring inshore for spawning and then move to depths of 100–200 metres (330–660 ft) during autumn and winter.

[7] Sepia officinalis jurujubai Oliveira, 1940, originally described as a subspecies of the common cuttlefish, is a junior synonym of Sepioteuthis sepioidea.

[8] The common cuttlefish is one of the largest species of cuttlefish with a mantle length reaching up to 45 cm and a mass of 4 kg on a presumed male, although this is for an exceptional specimen in temperate waters; specimens in subtropical waters rarely surpass a mantle length of 30 cm and 2 kg in mass.

The mantle houses the reproductive and digestive tracts of the cuttlefish and is also home to an internal shell called the cuttlebone, located on the dorsal side of the animal.

[9] Cuttlefish move by undulating fins on the periphery of their mantle, but when startled they often jet away using a siphon, inking in the process.

During breeding season, which occurs during spring, summer, and sometimes early autumn, large gatherings of male cuttlefish will display a highly contrasting black and white zebra pattern on their mantle to attract females and females will display a uniform grey colour to indicate they are ready to mate.

Sepia officinalis is a popular food item in its native range, and mediterranean languages have numerous names for cuttlefish.

[citation needed] Cuttlefish ink is believed to have many beneficial health effects including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, antimicrobial, anti-hypertensive, anti-retroviral, and potential anticancer properties.