Video: Mimic Octopus Inking

One of nature's most fascinating defense mechanism's is cephalopods' ability to "ink" their predators. Watch as this Mimic Octopus squirts ink at the camera in order to make a quick getaway.

Amazing Footage of Mimic Octopus

This video of the Mimic Octopus shows the master-of-disguise at its best! The narration is also very detailed and informative. Enjoy!



Visit this link to older posts for more information on the Mimic Octopus.

Octopus Anatomy from Octopus.com, Part II

OCTOPUS DEFENSE
Octopus defense is primary avoidance and flight but they can bite with their sharp beak, have potent venom, in some cases enough to insure or kill a human, and are very strong. When threatened the Octopuses first reaction is normally to release Ink and initiate flight.

The ability to change skin color and mimic surrounding is a great avoidance/protection skill which they utilize in self preservation as well.

In addition to using their ink sacs and camouflage via the specialized skin cells, some octopuses can autotomise their limbs which will grow back. In the case of the Mimic Octopus there is also a fourth defensive option: mimicking more dangerous animals!

Mimic Octopus pretending to be something he's not!

Mimic Octopus Imitating a Sea Snake

Youtube user, MarcWildDives has a slew of amazing underwater videos available on his page. One of particular interest is this video featuring a Mimic Octopus imitating a sea snake. Enjoy!

Visit our earlier post to learn more about the Mimic Octopus.

Octopus Jewelry from Amazon.com

I found some delightful goodies on Amazon.com! Below are my personal top picks form Amazon's selection of octopus jewelry. Enjoy!

Octopus Ring. "Sterling Silver / Platinum or 18K Plated Ruby Eye Octopus Ring Create a look that will capture attention! For all the sea and animal lovers out there, this is the ring for you. Designed from sterling silver with your choice of polished platinum or 18K yellow gold plating, it has a setting size of 1"L x 3/4"W and a height of 1/4". Bringing life to its eyes are two faceted round cut 1.5mm rubies. This finger-hugging design is perfect when you really want to make a statement! All weights pertaining to diamond weights are minimum weights. Additionally, please note that many gemstones are treated to enhance their beauty. Click here for important information about gemstone enhancements and special care requirements."

Octopus Earrings. "As of November 15, 2008, this item was out of stock. You may order it but it will take approximately 6-8 weeks for delivery and I cannot promise it before the holidays. FREE SHIPPING WITHIN THE UNITED STATES, INCLUDING HAWAII AND ALASKA! These earrings will be gift wrapped in a beautiful gift bag. In addition, a gift message can be added. Pink Sapphires: 1.86 Ct. Total Weight. Tsavorite Eyes: 0.12 Ct. Total Weight. Diamonds: 0.22 Ct. Total Weight. Matching ring and pendant available as well"

Octopus Necklace. "This image necklace features a purple octopus behind beveled glass and two studs in a beautiful sterling silver setting with design on the back. On a fine sterling silver chain with lobster claw clasp. Carmen de Anguis Jewelry by Angela Pitzker. (Dim: 16 inches long with 3/4 inch pendant)."

Octopus Ring. "This gold plated band supports a russet hued octopus, which is adorned with pave set CZs in shades of champagne, citrine, and bright mandarin sapphire. Two bezel set faux emeralds create hypnotic eyes, and her sparkling her pave tentacles wrap around your finger. This bling brings new meaning to the term "pirate treasure"!"

Octopus Ring. "Generally, undersea creatures aren't associated with glitz and glamour. Our CZ Octopus Ring, however, is a definite exception! This awe inspiring cocktail ring features the chic shape of an octopus, winding his arms around your finger. Only the underside is plain sterling silver; the rest of this ocean dweller is pave coated with faux diamonds. Two bezel set sapphire blue CZs form eyes, bringing a playful element to this statement piece!"

Octopus Species: Mimic Octopus

Appropriately named, this unique species of octopus has a very special skill: it can mimic several different sea creatures. The Mimic Octopus, which grows to about 2 feet in length, is found in the tropical seas of South East Asia and was not officially discovered until 1998. Like any other octopus, the Mimic Octopus is an intelligent mollusk with a boneless body, eight arms, each with two rows of suction cups. It catches pray with its arms and kills with it's hard beak, or paralyzes prey with a nerve poison, then sucks out the flesh.

While all octopuses have the ability to change color and even texture to hide among rocks and blend in with the sea floor, the Mimic Octopus actually impersonates other animals. The long list of creatures it has been seen masquerading as includes jellyfish, mantis shrimp, sea snakes, brittle stars, and lionfish. 

It is believed that the Mimic Octopus developed its imitation technique to adapt to their environment, where they are prey as well as predator. Becoming a "poisonous" creature is often the best defense from being eaten by the many carnivorous sea creatures that patrol the waters. Mimicry also helps the Mimic Octopus sneak up on prey that would normally flee at the sight of an octopus; it can imitate a crab as a potential mate, only to devour the "suitor" it bamboozled.