Mimic Octopus
Thaumoctopus mimicus · thaw-MOK-toh-pus MIM-ih-kus
diurnalsolitaryNot Evaluated
Friendly
Superpower
Impersonates lionfish, sea snakes and flatfish by changing shape, colour and movement.
At a glance
- Size
- typically 30 cm, up to 60 cm
- Lifespan
- 1–2 years
- Depth
- 1–37 m
Habitat
Open sand and mud near river mouths.
Diet
Small fish, crabs and worms.
Can I eat it?
No — this one is not eaten.
Fun facts
- It can imitate at least a dozen other animals.
- It may copy a sea snake to scare off a damselfish's predators.
- It was only described by science in 1998.