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clock-iconPUBLISHEDApril 7, 2014

Indonesian Mimic Octopus Is The Ultimate Master of Disguise

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Lisa Winter

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Marcelnad/YouTube

Thaumoctopus mimicus, better known at the Indonesian Mimic Octopus, is one of the best masters of disguise in the entire animal kingdom. There are many organisms that have evolved to look like a predator in order to be protected by association, but they are all pretty much confined to looking like just one thing.

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The octopus is able to morph itself to resemble 15 other organisms, including flounders, stingrays, snakes, and lionfish. This doesn’t just include configuring its legs in a convincing way, but it can transform its color and behavior at the drop of the hat so it is best equipped to handle whatever dangers arise.


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