This week, the Museum is teaming with Science Friday for #CephalopodWeek! We're celebrating a few fascinating creatures, including one highlighted in the new Life at the Limits exhibition: the mimic octopus. Discovered in 1998, the mimic octopus (Thaumoctopus mimicus) is a 2-foot long species that can parrot not just one but several toxic sea creatures. It’s the first animal of any kind known to shift between multiple imitations, a talent called dynamic mimicry. Depending on which predator is around, this cephalopod adjusts its posture by folding, splaying, or hiding its arms to copy the shape, texture, and motions of the banded sole, lionfish, or banded sea snake—three toxic animals that all share its light and dark coloring and striped patterns. Click the link in our profile to learn more! © AMNH/5W infographics-P.Velasco
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