Cuttlefish have personalities and lobsters thrive on a mixed diet of dried food and shrimps.

It is early days yet but two University of Cumbria zoology students are using the Lake District Coastal Aquarium in Maryport for research that could have implications for aquarium owners and for conservation in the future.

Megan Bolton and Louise Striggs, both 20 and both from Carlisle, are carrying out separate studies at the aquarium.

Louise is attempting to identify the best food to stimulate lobster growth.

Although still in the very early stages she said it already looks as though a mix of dried food and shrimp is proving the best diet.

"The faster they grow, the sooner they can be released into the sea, replenishing lobster stocks and increasing food production."

Megan wants to know if cuttlefish respond to stimuli and it already seems they do.

"I am showing them flash cards. One is followed by a feed 10 minutes later. When I show them the second I tickle them with a toothbrush. Already the cuttlefish and coming to look for food when I show them the appropriate card."

She said they are showing all the signs of having at least the same level of intelligence as octopuses.

Senior aquarist Paul Sloan the study would benefit aquariums in that it would ensure that different species, such as cuttlefish, could be given the best habitat according to the needs this kind of study would reveal. It would also help in learning what are the best diets for the lobsters, for example.

Aquarium owner Mark Vollers agreed: "Part of our role is to facilitate research and we are delighted to do so. Work undertaken by students like this is a large tick for us."

He said the Lake District Coastal Aquarium is dedicated to providing a suitable habitat and the best care for the fish .

"Many of we aquarium owners share resources - and fish, if necessary. Social media has made that a lot easier as we tend to be quite far apart. Sharing resources like the studies taking place here can only help," he said.