Cuttlefish, like their nearest relatives octopuses and squid, are astonishingly intelligent. They ve proven this again by delaying gratification in return for a greater reward.
In 1972, Professor Walter Mischel conducted a now-famous test, putting a marshmallow before a child between three and six years old, telling them he was going to leave the room – but if the food survived his absence, they could have two instead. Mischel then followed up his subjects as adults and found those who held on for the greater prize were generally more successful in life. Ironically Mischel s interpretation of the reasons for this relationship may be wrong for people, but right for marine mollusks.