tags: Indonesian Mimetic Octopus, invertebrates, behavior, streaming video
This fascinating creature was discovered in 1998 off the coast of Sulawesi in Indonesia, the mimic octopus is the first known species to take on the characteristics of multiple species. This octopus is able to copy the physical likeness and movement of more than fifteen different species, including sea snakes, lionfish, flatfish, brittle stars, giant crabs, sea shells, stingrays, jellyfish, sea anemones, and mantis shrimp. 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 [2:59].
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Comments
hmm... Is someone after a PZ link by any chance?
Posted by: Horwood Beer-Master | December 3, 2008 10:18 AM
Thisis very cool and very interesting. It is a wonder that this species doesn't overpopulate the ocean
Posted by: Tabor | December 3, 2008 10:35 AM
What an awesome creature. I admit I would not be getting cozy with it though.
Posted by: Carol Wilson | December 3, 2008 7:14 PM
You know, this sort of thing does give credence to the Overlord idea. These cephs are clearly biding their time until He gives them the signal.
And, I, for one, welcome the Ceph Overlords.
Posted by: Mike Haubrich, FCD | December 4, 2008 7:21 AM
It is done!
Posted by: Horwood Beer-Master | December 4, 2008 2:26 PM