Loading ...It’s Cephalopod week! All Cephalopod all the time!
Check this video of a mimic octopus in the wild.
Didja see the Labroides wrasse?
These guys can blend into any environment and become almost invisible. See if you can spot the Mimic Octopus in this picture:
“I Iz hidden.”
Mimic Octopuses (not Octopi) were discovered about 10 years ago in 1998. Up until then, they were mis-identified as crabs, algae or sea shells.
Although all species of octopus have the ability to change the color and texture of their skin, and many species can blend in with the sea floor and look like rocks, the mimic octopus is the first octopus species ever observed to impersonate other animals
Based on observation, scientists think that the mimic octopus may decide which animal to impersonate based on which predator happens to be nearby. For example, when the octopus was being attacked by damselfishes, scientists observed that the octopus took on the appearance of the banded sea snake, which is a predator of the damselfish. The octopus impersonates the banded sea snake by turning black and yellow, burying six of its arms, and waving its other two arms in opposite directions, so they look like two banded seas snakes.
Here’s a mimic pretending to be a seasnake:
In the hobby since 2001, and has seen all kinds of fads come and go. As he gets older, Jeff is developing more and more of a conscience towards environmental concerns, especially towards reefs. Currently, he writes from Ontario, Canada, but would rather be snorkeling on a reef.
Dude, these videos are unreal. The first one seems fake. I’m not saying it is fake; seeing that camera play back in reverse though just shows how unbelievable this creature is. It also kind of reminds me of “The Predator.” I’d like to think that there is some mysterious creature on land that can do this…
I’m pretty floored by the second one. Any animal that can select an animal to mimic is awesome by me.
It’s disappointing these guys only live a short lifespan (max. 4 months in captivity). They’re absolutely incredible!
WOW is definately an understatement! That has to be the COOLEST mimicry I’ve ever seen. Jeffry that was a great allusion to “Predator” as well, very apt! Makes you wonder, when competition becomes this fierce on land for both protection and prey, who will be the lucky one(s) that possess skills this amazing? Excellent find Jeff, both are STUNNING examples!
Cool videos!
Check this one out too –
http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/david_gallo_shows_underwater_astonishments.html
Thanks Jarred!
Sure thing Jeff. BTW I just followed you on Twitter!
Hey guys,
I just got two octopus in stock, for those that are in Toronto, you should come over and take a look.
Hubert@Reef Aquatica
I don’t believe you, until I come over!
Sure, watch the videos for now ^&^ … until you come over.
http://www.aquariumpros.ca/forums/showthread.php?goto=newpost&threadid=35289