Camouflaged Octopus Changes Color, Texture And Shape In Front Of Camera

They say that octopi are masters of disguise. They can change their appearance to blend in better with their environment, hiding themselves from both predators and prey! But hiding isn’t the only thing they know how to do well!Show more

The octopus cyanea, or big blue octopus, is quite adept at camouflage and not only can change colour frequently, but also can change the patterns on and texture of its skin. One researcher observed it change its appearance a thousand times in seven hours. As it moves across the seabed it makes changes in its colouring and appearance to match the substrate beneath.

The color changes are momentary and made by chromatophores (pigment-containing and light-reflecting cells) under direct control of the brain. This octopus sometimes produces a "passing clouds" display when stationary near prey such as a crab; this mimics a dark shadow passing across its surface and may encourage the crab to move incautiously.

The texture, on the other hand, is being changed by tiny muscles in the skin itself.

When the times comes for an octopus to go looking for a meal, hunting crustaceans and mollusks, they use their suckers to literally testa everything they touch. As soon as they sense a prey, their tentacles form a tent around the hole and the prey can no longer escape.

Check out all the incredible things this octopus can do. What an amazing animal! Filmed in Zanzibar.