Octopus

Recently, researchers have discovered the existence of an extremely unique type of octopus. The species, known as the Indo-Malayan octopus, has the ability to alter its shape, form, and color pattern to mimic or imitate other sea creatures in order to avoid predation (2). The discovery of the mimic octopus is noteworthy because no other type of cephalopod is known to have impersonation abilities. The octopus is also not limited to one imitation. Researchers have observed up to eight different formations. The alternations occur depending upon the appetite, surrounding environment, and proximity of predators the octopus encounters (1). In analyzing the formations, behaviors, and predators of the mimic octopus, it is important to isolate the origins of this exclusive, and highly intelligent defense mechanism. Is this means of protection or evolutionary development, one that allows the cephalopod a better means of survival? Or is this the result of observed behaviors where the mimic octopus becomes aware of the relations occurring in the environment, and successfully imitates a species based upon their ability to subsist when dealing with dangerous predators?

The existence of mimic octopi is restricted to the islands of Indonesia, specifically off the coasts off Solawesi, and Bali (3). Surprisingly, the octopi have been viewed during the daylight hours, generally residing near sand tunnels, and holes (1). The octopi enjoy these mounds because they provide a significant source of food, including small worms, fish, and crustaceans. The octopus utilizes its arms to feel for prey, and then captures the food through the use of expanded webs. However, when the animal is attempting to hide itself from possible enemies, the Indo-Malayan octopus can transform itself into a variety of organisms, including fish, sea snakes, and anemones. If the octopus observes a cluster of damselfishes, it will change into a lionfish by swimming above the ocean floor, with arms extended beyond the body (2). The lionfish is known to possess poisonous spikes, which successfully deter the damselfish from preying upon the mimic octopus. Another possible transformation includes the sole fish. The octopus is able to propel itself in a similar manner by forming a leaf-shaped arm that moves it across the ocean floor effortlessly. The octopus's arms are also useful in impersonating the sea snake. Two arms are waved around to appear like a pair of snakes, while the other six are hidden from view. The octopus also changes its color and creates yellow and dark bands across the exposed arms. Other variations employed by the mimic octopus include the sea anemone and the jellyfish (3).

The phenomenal behavior of the Indo-Malayan octopus has left researchers wondering how this trait has developed, or been acquired by the animal. The ability has not been viewed in any other species of cephalopods, despite their lack of a strong internal or external skeleton, a body type ideal for imitations. The studies and observations of these animals within their habitat point to a wide variety of reasons, both evolution-oriented and behavior-oriented, which are responsible for the development of this talent. The Indo-Malayan octopus has been able to copy those animals known to generate poisons, such as fish with toxic glands, and anemone, and jellyfish known for their stinging powers. This characteristic appears to validate the behavioral influence of the octopus's capacity for imitation since the animal has isolated those species, which are known to contain toxins (4). The behaviorist theory is further authenticated by the sexual mate perspective. Researcher's have also explored the idea that the characteristics are not primarily for defense, but to attract sexual mates (2). The idea is that females are more likely to mate with those who have the ability to transform into a larger number of sea creatures. The problem with this theory is that both female and male octopi were able to show mimic mannerisms, even when isolated from each other. Impersonations have never occurred within the cephalopod species without the presence of the male. Therefore, the trait is much