Friday Fact 13 March 2009

 

Glam it up – it's Friday!

Did you know that the mimic octopus (Thaumoctopus mimicus) can impersonate over 15 different species to avoid predators?

From Advanced Aquarist: Mimic octopus

This amazing animal is a frequent subject of nature shows and underwater photographers for its remarkable ability to mimic other aquatic creatures in order to avoid predation. This octopus has been reported to be an active mimic of venomous lionfish, deadly Laticauda sea snakes, poisonous flatfish, plus stingrays, jellyfish, sea anemones, and mantis shrimp – by one count, impersonating over 15 different species.


The clever bugger can even decide which animal to impersonate depending on which predator it encounters (from MarineBio.org):

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. For example, scientists observed that when the octopus was attacked by territorial damselfishes, it mimicked the banded sea snake, a known predator of damselfishes.


The mimic octopus' very flexible body explains how it's able to imitate so many animals. For example:

Sole fish: This flat, poisonous fish is imitated by the mimic octopus by building up speed through jet propulsion as it draws all of its arms together into a leaf-shaped wedge as it undulates in the manner of a swimming flat fish.

You can watch an amazing video of its transformations below.



You can also read more about the octopus impersonations at the MarineBio.org link. The mimic octopus is now officially my second favourite freak of nature after the Turritopsis nutricula.

 

Disclaimer: all images belong to their respective copyright holders.


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