Decoding visual communication in cuttlefish
Location: CREC marine station, University of Caen, Luc-sur-mer (France)
Organization: EthoS UMR6552, CNRS, Université de Caen, Université de Rennes
Contract Type: 6-month Master's internship (M2), January or February 2026 start (with flexibility)
Main Description: Understanding how animals communicate is a central challenge in ethology, particularly for species with sensory modalities different from our own. Cuttlefish are a prime example: they rely on rapid, dynamic changes in body patterning, posture, and movement to communicate, especially during reproductive and agonistic interactions. These signals are primarily visual and can be expressed in milliseconds through complex skin displays and arm configurations.
This project aims to investigate whether the visual signals used by cuttlefish are context-dependent, combinatorial, and whether they show features akin to a basic syntax. We will focus specifically on male–male and male–female interactions during the reproductive period, where signalling is rich and socially meaningful. To go beyond the limitations of passive observation in the laboratory, the project aims to use a biomimetic cuttlefish—a model capable of displaying realistic movements and dynamic skin patterns. This allows for controlled, interactive experiments where specific visual signals can be presented to live cuttlefish in a systematic and repeatable way.
Candidate's missions:
Experimental design & preparation:
- Perform a literature review on cuttlefish communication and visual signaling
- Participate in refining the experimental protocol using 2-year-old cuttlefish
- Learn to operate and control a biomimetic robotic cuttlefish in a laboratory setting
Data collection:
- Conduct interactive experiments with live cuttlefish and the biomimetic model
- Record and document behavioural interactions during male–male and male–female trials
Data analysis:
- Extract and annotate cuttlefish behaviours from video recordings using manual (e.g., BORIS) and computational tools (e.g., DeepLabCut, Segment Anything Model)
- Process and analyze data using Python and R (scripts will be developed or adapted as needed)
- Conduct quantitative and qualitative analysis of visual signaling dynamics
Requirements: Background:
- Master's student (M2) training in neurosciences, ethology, animal behaviour, cognitive or computer science, or related discipline
- Strong interest in animal communication, multimodal signaling, or biologically inspired robotics
Technical skills:
- Experience in video annotation and behavioural analysis is a plus
- Proficiency (or strong willingness to develop skills) in Python and R for data processing and statistical analysis
- Familiarity with tools such as BORIS, DeepLabCut, or computer vision frameworks is advantageous
Personal qualities:
- Scientific rigor, curiosity, and critical thinking
- Autonomy, organizational skills, and capacity to work in an interdisciplinary environment
Benefits/Conditions: 4.35 euros/hour (around 630 €/month depending on the number of working days in the corresponding month)
How to Apply: Send cover letter and CV to:
- Dr. Bastien S. Lemaire: bastien.lemaire@unicaen.fr
- Dr. Christelle Jozet-Alves: christelle.alves@unicaen.fr
Application deadline: October 15, 2025
Supervisors: Dr Bastien S. Lemaire and Christelle Jozet-alves
