Thaumoctopus mimicus | Mimic Octopus

The Mimic Octopus (Thaumoctopus mimicus) is famous for its ability to impersonate a variety of marine organisms. This species typically lives in shallow muddy and sandy habitats near coral reefs where it appears to mimic the shape and behavior of flatfishes and other animals to avoid predators. This species reaches about 60cm in length and is typically brown and white striped with “small horns” protruding from each eye. It was first discovered in 1988 off the coast of Sulawesi in Indonesia and it has since been found to inhabit the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from the Red Sea Gulf of Thailand and the Philippines including the waters in Romblon Province.