Unlike the past couple of days, I didn’t see any dramatic hunting or eating behaviour today, but I did have a chance to spend some quality time with a very active mimic octopus (Thaumoctopus mimicus).
In case you’re not familiar with them, these talented octopuses are known for their ability to mimic other animals, perhaps as a means of camouflage or self-defence. In any case, they have an incredible repertoire, and are a perennial favourite among divers visiting Lembeh.
If you visit Lembeh and are fortunate enough to see one of these incredible cephalopods, please keep in mind that they are bottom dwellers…meaning that they most likely don’t enjoy being thrown into the water column, where they’re out of their element and vulnerable to predators.
Think of it this way: If some strange being came down to earth, picked you up, and repeatedly threw you into the air to take pictures of you…I doubt you’d be too happy about it.
