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Mimic Octopus | Daily Animal Facts

Animal profile

Mimic Octopus

Thaumoctopus mimicus

CephalopodaShallow silt and sand flats near river mouths in tropical Indo-Pacific waters

Field profile

The mimic octopus was described only in 2005, from muddy estuary flats where there is nowhere to hide. It is slender-armed and boldly striped, and is known for altering its posture and swimming style in ways that resemble other local animals.

Scope note

This is an editorial profile, not a diagnostic field-identification guide or a substitute for current conservation assessments. Follow the cited sources on each fact for the evidence trail.

Published field notes

2024-04-12

Mimic Octopus

An octopus that hides by imitating other animals

On open sand with no shelter, the mimic octopus adopts postures resembling flatfish, sea snakes and lionfish. It is one of the few animals credibly documented switching between several different impersonations.

Read with evidence →