Visual lateralization is task and age dependent in cuttlefish, Sepia officinalis

► We examined when during ontogeny side-turning preferences arise in cuttlefish. ► A left-turning bias increased progressively during postembryonic development. ► Left-turning biases resulted from left eye use preference in a defensive context. ► Left visual field may be associated with rapid responses as in vertebrates. ► Being moderately social could explain a nearly population-level left-turning bias.