About Thaumoctopus mimicus Norman & Hochberg, 2005
The mimic octopus, scientifically named Thaumoctopus mimicus, is an octopus species native to the Indo-Pacific region. Like all other octopuses, it uses chromatophores to change its appearance for disguise. This species is particularly notable for its ability to impersonate a wide range of other marine animals. While many animals mimic their environment or other animals to avoid being preyed on, the mimic octopus and its close relative the wunderpus are the only ones currently known to actively imitate multiple animals to escape predators. The mimic octopus was first discovered in 1998 on the muddy bottom of a river mouth off the coast of Sulawesi, Indonesia. Its range spans the Indo-Pacific, extending from the Red Sea and Gulf of Oman in the west to New Caledonia in the east, and from the Gulf of Thailand and the Philippines in the north to the Great Barrier Reef in the south. Most recorded observations of this species come from Indonesia. It primarily lives in areas with sand or silt seabeds at depths less than 15 meters (49 feet). It prefers murky, muddy sea floors that let it blend in with its natural brown-beige coloration.
