A rare cuttlefish found on the shores of Strangford Lough has made a bid for freedom after it was captured by marine science students.
The cephalopod apparently squeezed its way down the drain of the lab tank where it was being held at the Exploris Aquarium in Portaferry, Co Down and escaped back to the lough.
Cuttlefish are a common find along Northern Ireland’s coast but had not previously been recorded in Strangford Lough since the late 1980s.
“You wouldn't normally get them stranded in a rockpool - they’re normally in deeper waters - but this one was found in water under a rock," Dr Julia Sigwart of Queen's University told the Belfast Telegraph.
Aside from its Houdini-like qualities, the cuttlefish is also known as a master of disguise, able to change the colour and texture of its skin to ape the appearance of rock or seaweed.
The Belfast Telegraph has more on the story HERE.