THE mimic octopus which is scientifically known as Thaumoctopus mimicus is an Indo-Pacific species of octopus capable of impersonating other local species. They are notable for being able to change their skin colour and texture for camouflaging reasons in order to blend in with their environments, such as algae-encrusted rock and nearby coral through pigment sacs known as chromatophores. [ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”show” ihc_mb_who=”2,3,5″ ihc_mb_template=”1″ ]
The unique behaviour of the mimic octopus is, they are the only animal that can imitate as diverse range of forms of other species in order to escape from the predators compared to other animals which can imitate only a different species. Most of the animals that it mimics are poisonous. Some of the more common animals the mimic octopus imitates include, flatfish, lionfish, jellyfish and sea snakes. As it is able to impersonate poisonous fish, it has less risk of predation than others in the open.
Besides, It also uses aggressive mimicry to approach wary prey, for example mimicking a crab as an apparent mate, only to devour its deceived suitor. This fascinating creature was first discovered in 1998 off the coast of Sulawesi in Indonesia on the bottom of a muddy river mouth. It can reach about 60cm in length and are typically brown and white striped.
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