Indonesian Mimic Octopus

By Alex in Animals & Pets on Dec 7, 2008 at 12:44 pm

The Indonesian mimic octopus, Thaumoctopus mimicus, takes camouflage and mimicry into a new level:

This octopus is able to copy the physical likeness and movement of more than fifteen different species, including sea snakes, lionfish, flatfish, brittle stars, giant crabs, sea shells, stingrays, jellyfish, sea anemones, and mantis shrimp. This animal is so intelligent that it is able to discern which dangerous sea creature to impersonate that will present the greatest threat to its current possible predator.

Ursi’s Blog has the video clip of the mimic octopus in action: Link [embedded YouTube clip]

Tags: camouflage, mimicry, octopus

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CapnMarrrrk
Dec 7th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
Those disguises are very close, to fool a fish, but to me it appeared to be an octo version of Groucho Glasses.

Still though…octopi are awesome!
Ashley
Dec 7th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
That’s one hardcore octopus.
Johnny Cat
Dec 7th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
Crab: Hey, you juicy looking octopus, behold my pincers of DOOM.

Octopus: Oh yeah? Behold, I am a Black Cauldron of DEATHS.

Crab: I’m not a crab, I’m just some frozen bit of nothing. Nope, no crab here. Move along.

Octopus: Thought so. Now I’m off to impersonate a dreadful sea snake and scare the little fishies. Later, loser.
Granturista
Dec 7th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
Impressive.
That creature will rule the world.
Creamy
Dec 7th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
“That creature will rule the world.”
Yeah, purple tentacle!
DOJ
Dec 7th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
I think I saw this on PBS before. Anyone know what the clip is from?
Ali S.
Dec 7th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
That octopus looks bad ass but I bet you anything his tough guy exterior just hides the heart of a big softy.
earbox
Dec 7th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
I for one welcome our new mollusk overlords.
chiliwack
Dec 8th, 2008 at 12:13 am
can it mimic a cylon?
raina_c
Dec 8th, 2008 at 5:13 am
I don’t know who wins…The cuttlefish or this octopus..yeah, it’s a tie
vero4902
Dec 8th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
Very cool! That crab had second thoughts, huh?
sloane
Dec 8th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
The speed at which it can change is awesome.
liphttam1
Dec 8th, 2008 at 9:32 pm
Seen those before. Theres a video that you could post. I love theese things though.

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