Two theories have been proposed to explain why the wonderpus octopus developed its dramatic and conspicuous appearance. One theory suggests that the octopus is mimicking dangerous banded animals like sea snakes and lionfish as a form of protection against predators. Another theory says that it's warn...
The “mimicking miracle octopus” earns its weighty name. This new-to-science cephalopod, found in shallow waters of the Indo-Pacific, is a master impersonator, taking on the appearance and behavior of venomous or bad-tasting creatures to foil would-be predators. ...
The mimic octopus, Thaumoctopus mimicus, is able to alter its body shape and colour to mimic up to 15 different species. Although mimicry of background patterns and textures is a common defence mechanism for the species under class Cephalopoda, mimicking of individual animals in the absence of...
What is it about the mimic octopus that makes it so good at mimicking other species? For one thing, cephalopods like octopuses are well-known for theirability to change the color, pattern and texture of their skinto blend in with rocks, coral and plants. But unlike other cephalopods, octopu...