are masters at flying under the radar, changing their coloration and texture to match their surroundings in seconds. The mimic octopus wasn't discovered until 1998, so scientists are still learning basic characteristics. The octopus is usually preyed on by predators like jellyfish, stingrays, sea snakes, lionfish, and the poisonous sole fish, among others. The mimic octopus retains the ability to camouflage with its sandy environment. So what creatures does this octopus mimic? It has also been said that with a similar motion, but with 1 arm dragging out behind, it imitates a stringray. Order name: Octopoda [4] It has since been found to inhabit the Indo-Pacific, ranging from the Red Sea and Gulf of Oman in the west to New Caledonia in the east, and Gulf of Thailand and the Philippines in the north to the Great Barrier Reef in south. Like many of its relatives, the octopus sometimes uses camouflage to expertly blend into its surroundings, such as the sandy seabed bottom. It that can impersonate many different ocean creatures to help them hunt, hide, or escape. There are plenty of other sea creatures in the area. Discover world-changing science. Nabhitabhata, Jaruwat; and Sukhsangchan, Charuay (2007). But the mimic octopusperhaps emboldened by its quick disguise trickssearches during the day. Knowledge awaits. Small horns protrude from each eye. The animal kingdom is packed with creatures that use strange and unusual methods to trick predators. A diver was swimming with a much smaller underwater camera, one that a curious octopus could easily swipe. Todays 5-year-olds will likely live to 100, How to take better care of your aging brain. Perhaps it was this banded cephalopod's incredible impersonation abilities that kept it from science for so long. Your Privacy Rights Common name: Mimic octopus It is believed to be a hunter because scientists have observed and recorded the octopus having the ability to stalk prey and hunt down small fish and catch them. She is author of Octopus! By pulling its arms together and moving forward along the sandy floor, the body colour and shape and gliding motion all seem to ape that of a poisonous striped flat fish. The more exciting parts come when you see the mimic octopus take the shape of a flounder. Its ability to camouflage itself and assume the shape and appearance of other sea creatures is legendary. Octopusesare masters at flying under the radar, changing their coloration and texture to match their surroundings in seconds. Are mimics hugely intelligent aquatic chameleons or humble invertebrates simply going about their business? There are around 300 species of octopus and they are found in every ocean. Once sharks, turtles, manta rays and other obvious marine wonders have been experienced then each person develops their own personal goals. These photogenic cephalopods are common in Indonesia, but you can also find them elsewhere in the Indo-Pacific, from Egypt to Australia. Very little is really known about the mimic octopus and how their numbers may have fluctuated over time. Vic was very helpful. [2] The conspicuous body patterning came later. Your diving is our pleasure", We use cookies to personalise content for you and to analyse our traffic. It is divided into five main regions: the Arctic, Antarctic, Indian, Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. But it has rarely been seen farther north, in Thai waters. Compare and contrast different species of ocean animals, from their physical characteristics to their behavior and habitat. The ocean is a vast body of saltwater that covers nearly 71% of the Earths surface. 1. The above octopus seen in the Bonin Islands near Japan in 2008. Abstract. While the waters are not crystal clear, they are not overly mirky either. 2023 Scientific American, a Division of Nature America, Inc. In this video, a marine life researcher is diving in waters that are home to the mimic octopus. The Most Mysterious Creature in the Sea (Current, 2013) and Cultured: How Ancient Foods Feed Our Microbiome (Avery, 2019). While the Mimic Octopus reach about 60cm in length and are seen as brown and white striped in its main form, this magnificent fellow can take on many appearances. From finding expert camouflage to playing dead, deceit is a common way to avoid becoming someones snack. Its ability to change shape is the reason it was named the "mimic" octopus, which is its main defense besides camouflage. Your best chance to see one is in muck diving areas in Indonesia, such as Lembeh, Sulawesi and some parts of Bali. Watching an octopus change colors is mesmerizing. again or contact 1.888.780.6763. This is what makes the mimic octopus so intriguing. This particular flatfish is poisonous, so imitating the fish's leaf-life shape helps keep predators at bay. Their preferred habitat is relatively shallow water normally less than 15 metres deep where there is a sand or silt substrate, so often this means near river mouths or estuaries. Bats and agaves make tequila possibleand theyre both at risk, The new year once started in Marchhere's why, Jimmy Carter on the greatest challenges of the 21st century, This ancient Greek warship ruled the Mediterranean, 3 ways Jimmy Carter changed the world for the better, The meaning of the cross of ashes on Ash Wednesday, This disease often goes under-diagnosedunless youre white, The groundbreaking promise of cellular housekeeping. Octopuses have blue blood, three hearts and a doughnut-shaped brain. The mimic octopus lives on a rich, sandy bottom, where it can feed on prey like crabs, worms and small fish. For a few harrowing seconds, the octopus started to swim toward the. Known for their otherworldly look and remarkable intelligence, octopuses continue to reveal astonishing qualities, abilities and behaviour. The above octopus seen in the Bonin Islands near Japan in 2008.