Mimic Octopus
Thaumoctopus mimicus
- Group: Octopus
- Typical depth: 0–37 m
- Max size: 48 cm
- For divers: safe
- IUCN status: LC
This octopus can flatten and recolour its body to impersonate the local poison bearers, taking on the look of a banded sole, a sea snake or a lionfish depending on the threat. It hunts over open sand and mud down to about 37 metres, often moving between borrowed burrows left by other animals.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Mollusca › Cephalopoda › Octopoda › Octopodidae › Thaumoctopus
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 342403.
FAQ
- How deep does the Mimic Octopus live?
- The Mimic Octopus (Thaumoctopus mimicus) is typically found at 0–37 m.
- Is the Mimic Octopus dangerous to divers?
- The Mimic Octopus is harmless to divers.
- How big does the Mimic Octopus get?
- The Mimic Octopus grows to about 48 cm.